Legacy Immortalized
Australian opera star Amy Sherwin, known as "the Tasmanian Nightingale," has been honored with a statue in Hobart. Sherwin achieved international fame before Dame Nellie Melba but died penniless in London in 1935 at the age of 81.
Her legacy has been largely overshadowed in public memory.
Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling took place at Hobart's Hadleys Hotel. It featured a life-size marble statue and a bronze replica, both created by artist Peter Schipperheyn.
A street festival accompanied the event, including a re-enactment of Sherwin's arrival in Hobart and musical performances by soprano Jacqueline Ward.
Funding and Impact
The Amy Sherwin Fund, established in 2023, raised $200,000 for the marble statue, with an additional $50,000 still required to fully fund the artwork. The bronze replica, installed on Hadley's balcony, was funded by the hotel.
Bob Brown, President of the Amy Sherwin Fund, stated that Sherwin gained international prominence in the 1870s and serves as an inspirational figure.
The statues aim to ensure Sherwin is remembered and inspires future generations of Tasmanians.
The Sculptor's Process
Melbourne-based sculptor Peter Schipperheyn began sculpting in 1979. He undertook extensive research, reviewing numerous photographs of Sherwin to develop the statue's concept. He also sought advice from a fashion designer to accurately recreate her 19th-century gown.
Schipperheyn created a maquette and a full-size clay model before selecting a specific block of white marble from Carrara, Italy.
He described the sculpting process as an "adventure" and hopes the artwork will remind viewers of human capabilities and bring focus back to Sherwin's achievements.