There is an interesting footnote to last months “Quote” by the famous sculptor Henry Moore.

Martin and I have been friends for many years with of one of the world’s most famous sculptors, namely Alex von Svoboda. Alex now lives in Barrie, Ontario and told us a very interesting story about his friendship with Henry Moore.

Here is Alex’s story: I was working on my downtown Vancouver Centennial Fountain project (see photos below). The centre was a sculpture of black marble I quarried on an island in Italy. They were two blocks each 18 feet high. Transported the heavy black marble blocks to Cararra, Italy, set up my workshops and started working.

Across from my studio was Henry Moore from England in his studio working on a commission. I came from Canada and there was Georgio from Brazil. He was the artist who created the two sculptures, “The Warriors” in front of the Presidents building in Brasilia, Brazil.

The three of us often strolled along the beach next to a very romantic village on a mountain cliff. One time I picked up a small washed up coral and showed it to Henry and told him that it would make a great abstract sculpture. He liked the idea and took the coral along and had one of his helpers carve it in a larger size in white marble. Henry gave it his personal touch.

Returning from my International projects I saw the Bronze sculpture “The Archer” in Toronto on the plaza in front of City Hall. It was the same coral shape but had been modified for the use of Bronze.

Courthouse, Vancouver, B.C. December 15, 1966

It was a city focal point even before it was finished. In a colourful fit of Spring madness in 1966, the city’s artists and would-be artists vented their impressions about the world around them in paint on the fence erected by the contractors around the site. Everyone came to watch, and on occasion, causing traffic problems. It appears to be a more sophisticated place now-though still subject to occasional high-jinks. While it was developing into a practical landmark. “Meet me at the fountain” It became a pleasant attraction in itself. It’s inviting, and it’s call is answered by office workers, shoppers and visitors to the city who share the fascination of the ever-changing pattern of water and lights. It’s almost hypnotic, wiping away, at least for a moment, the cares of the day.

My creation, Alex von Svoboda said, is symbolic. It depicts the province’s rugged coast. The sea is signified by the mosaic pattern in the basin and by moving water flowing to the central motif which represents sea-washed rocks. The carving on the central motif is based on the legends of the Celts or Gaels, an ancient people which included the Britons, Scots, Picts, Irish, Welsh and Gauls, the forebearers of most early British Columbians.

Dana, the Earth goddess, is depicted holding the cup of healing and friendship. The fiery spear of sword and light came to the Gaels from Dagda, the lord of the gods. The orb of light came from Nuada, god of light, enabling the Gaels to foretell the future.

Thus is portrayed the mysterious symbolism of the seagoing people whose origins, though lost in the mist of time, are traceable by the way of bardic lore for over six thousand years. I used 18 feet high, black marble from Carrara, Italy in the centre motifs of the fountain. The fountain complex measures about 72 by 36 feet, with a centre basin that is ten feet in diameter. Water is pumped and circulated at a rate of 300,000 gallons per hour. The fountain is operated by computer which also controls it’s sophisticated lighting system, which changes every 3 minutes. The central jets reach 60 feet skyward.