Sculptor and site for Hairy Maclary project announced

19 Mar 2012 - Booksellers New Zealand

Brigitte Wuest of Weta Workshop and Lord of the Rings fame, has been selected as the sculptor for the proposed Hairy Maclary and Friends sculpture project.
The planned bronze sculptures would depict a selection of characters from Dame Lynley Dodd’s acclaimed Hairy Maclary books including Hairy Maclary and Scarfare Claw. Dame Lynley Dodd, a Tauranga resident for over 20 years, is one of New Zealand’s best-selling international authors and has sold millions of books worldwide.
“As a lead sculptor for all three award-winning Lord of the Rings films, designer and sculptor on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and creature designer and sculptor on King Kong, her amazing talent and expertise have helped her become one of the best in the business,” said Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell, Chief Executive Creative Tauranga.
The site for the sculpture project has also been announced as being on the waterfront, opposite Masonic Park.
“The Council is very pleased to support this creative initiative which will be a key drawcard to the new waterfront for families and visitors alike’ said Mayor Stuart Crosby.
The Hairy Maclary sculptures have the potential to be a key attraction to local and international tourists alike and form part of Taranga’s new waterfront development.
The next step for the project is to raise funds. Final costs are expected to be between $800,000 and $1 million. The money raised will go towards casting the sculptures in bronze, installation and other associated costs. A fund for ongoing repairs and maintenance will also be included in the fundraising.
“It’s hoped we can raise the necessary funds by mid 2012 and have the sculptures in place by Hairy Maclary’s 30th birthday in 2013,” Ms Rudduck-Gudsell said.
Sculptor Selection Panel
The sculptor selection panel comprising Dame Lynley Dodd, Penelope Jackson from Tauranga Art Gallery and Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell made a unanimous decision. “We particularly liked the clear concept and coherence to Brigitte’s plan. Brigitte’s concept evokes a scene from a Hairy Maclary story and children will clearly recognise these characters,” said Ms Rudduck-Gudsel.