Spirit of Napier. Napier. North Is. New Zealand.
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Punga and Paua
S 39° 30.220 E 176° 55.115
60H E 492999 N 5627325
A beautiful glowing bronze nymph with her outstretched arms reaching for the sky, stands 3.6 metres above a fountain along the waterfront of Napier, overlooking the ocean and the city of Napier.
Waymark Code: WMT6Q0
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 10/04/2016
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member lumbricus
Views: 0

The Spirit of Napier sculptured by Frank Szimay was unveiled in late December 1971. The statue represents Napier rising from the ashes of the devastating 1931 earthquake.

However, the sculpture was beginning to deteriorate and was showing signs of corrosion. The original sculpture was cast from low quality Gun Metal Bronze and this, along with the harsh coastal environment, and the fact that when the statue was erected it was half filled with concrete, all combined to create a corrosive mixture which was eating the sculpture from the inside out.

In 2011 Council approved the recasting of a new 'Spirit of Napier' sculpture, using a high quality silicon bronze. This material would better withstand the harsh coastal elements.
The task of recasting the new sculpture was given to local artist Russell Evenson. On 31st August 2011 the new silicon bronze 'Spirit of Napier' sculpture was returned to her original location atop the 3.6 metre column.
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Spirit of Napier.

Figure Type: Human

Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Frank Szimay

Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1971

Materials used: Originally Gun Metal Bronze, now recast in silicon bronze.

Location: On Marine Parade, a parkland beside the sea.

Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.
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Punga and Paua visited Spirit of Napier.  Napier.  North Is. New Zealand. 10/05/2016 Punga and Paua visited it