De Vlamingh Sundial Memorial
Image source Eugene Scrivener (Museum of Perth)
Artist: Albert De Boer, Smith Sculptors (Joan Walsh-Smith, Charles Smith)
Asset Type: Sculpture, Monument
Year of Work: 2007
Location: Near the Narrows Interchange on Riverside Drive
Provenance: City of Perth
Description: Designed through a collaboration between Artforms founder Albert De Boer and Smith Sculptors, the De Vlamingh Memorial Sundial is a custom-made ferritic stainless steel structure. It is engineered to record time simultaneously in Perth, Western Australia, and the Netherlands, symbolising the connection between the two regions. The sundial features intricate engravings of an ancient world map and the trade routes of early Dutch traders, reflecting the extensive reach and influence of Dutch exploration.
Surrounding the sundial are premium granite bollards, each etched with laser engravings that detail the journeys of great explorers such as Dirk Hartog and Willem de Vlamingh. These bollards provide educational insights, enhancing the sundial’s role as an informative and commemorative piece of public art.
Originally situated next to the Bell Tower in Perth, the memorial was displaced in 2012 due to the development of Elizabeth Quay. After several years in storage, the Perth Council decided to relocate the sundial to a new site near the Narrows Interchange on Riverside Drive