Memorial service for sculptor John Dowie

John Dowie's <i>Three Rivers</i> fountain at Victoria Square, Adelaide.

John Dowie's Three Rivers fountain at Victoria Square, Adelaide.
Full Image (111.46K)

The Victor Richardson Gates at Adelaide Oval.

The Victor Richardson Gates at Adelaide Oval.
Full Image (154.98K)

Memorial Service Invitation  [PDF]  (70.17K)

Friday, 18 April 2008

A memorial service for renowned South Australian artist John Dowie will be held by the University of Adelaide in Bonython Hall on Tuesday 22 April at 11am.

John Dowie (15 January 1915 - 19 March 2008) is probably best known locally for his Three Rivers fountain in Victoria Square, the Victor Richardson gates at Adelaide Oval, and the Girl on the Slide in Rundle Mall.

His works include more than 50 public sculpture commissions and can be seen across Australia and overseas, including Icarus at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, a bronze portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in Parliament House in Canberra, and the war memorial in the Solomon Islands.

John Dowie studied Architecture at the University of Adelaide from 1936 to 1940, while studying at night at the South Australian School of Art.

From the early 1960s he had enough work through his art practice to devote himself to it entirely. In 1981 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Australian art, and he was named Senior Australian of the Year in 2005.

In 2004 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University (Doctor of the University honoris causa) for his contributions to the spiritual and artistic life of the city of Adelaide, South Australia and the nation.

His bronze portraits on North Terrace and elsewhere commemorate many of Australia's and the University of Adelaide's greatest achievers, including former Governor Sir Mark Oliphant, Adelaide Festival founder and Elder Professor of Music John Bishop, Sir Douglas Mawson, former University Chancellor the Honourable John Bray, and Lord Howard Florey.

The University owns several of John Dowie's works including a self-portrait wearing his honorary doctorate gown in oils that he painted and gave the University in 2005.

Speakers at the memorial service will include the Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts, John Hill, Deputy Lord Mayor Sue Clearihan and art curator Jane Hylton.

 

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