9 June 2005

After a cowardly act of vandalism on the Shepparton Art Gallery’s canine sculpture “Larry” by artist Pamela Irving, the Greater Shepparton community is fighting back. A campaign has been launched to rebuild the sculpture which was, in the words of Pamela Irving, “a happy and welcoming character to the gallery’s entrance”.

Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Anne McCamish, said she had received an overwhelming response from the community, in particular children and younger people, about Larry.

“Since the pointless destruction occurred, so many people have approached the Council and the Shepparton Art Gallery to express their disappointment at Larry’s departure. Due to the support received, and after discussions with artist Pamela Irving, we have decided to rebuild Larry and are seeking the community’s support,” Cr McCamish said.

“Our community will not ‘roll over’ to the pointless vandalism of this wonderful piece of public art. Our intention is to raise funds so that Pamela Irving can create a new version of “Larry” the dog in the same size but constructed from steel and cement, and covered in mosaic,” she added.

“While Larry was insured, we are launching a public campaign seeking contributions to assist in his rebuilding and to support public art in our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who appreciate the cultural and artistically diverse nature of Greater Shepparton.”

“I encourage anyone interested in donating and showing their support to contact the Shepparton Art Gallery, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton on 03 5832 9861. Donations are tax deductible,” the Mayor added.
 

Background information on Larry’s lively life:

1992 Melbourne City Council commissioned Pamela Irving to make a sculpture for the Melbourne City Square. She produced a bronze dog called Larry Latrobe. Larry quickly won the hearts of the locals as well as tourists and visitors alike. 

1995 In the dead of a winter night in 1995, Larry was stolen from the City Square causing a public uproar and a plea for his return in Melbourne’s media. He was dognapped, and remains unrecovered to this day!

In an effort to flush Larry of out of hiding, the Melbourne City Council built a 3 metre high float of Larry for the Moomba Parade. The float was then taken to Japan to be Melbourne’s ambassador in the Midosuji Parade, Osaka. The float won the award for Best Float in the Parade.  

1997  A kind benefactor, Peter Kolliner, paid for Larry to be recast for the City of Melbourne. Larry was reinstated, this time with very secure footings. The City Square has been refurbished with Larry relocated on the corner of Swanston and Collins Street Melbourne where he remains an icon.

The Moomba Float was given to Pamela Irving and lived on her verandah for some time. It was the base for the sculpture installed at the front of the Shepparton Art Gallery in September 2004.

2004 The fiberglass-coated bright blue Larry was installed at the Shepparton Art Gallery. It was a perfect replica of Larry La Trobe, as in the city square of Melbourne.  “Larry” was donated by the artist to the City of Greater Shepparton and a private Foundation (the Fairley Foundation through Perpetual Trustees) paid for him to be fibre glassed. 

2005  Larry was intentionally and foolishly destroyed by vandals.

NOW THE GREATER SHEPPARTON COMMUNITY REBUILDS LARRY