Isn’t it remarkable how a statue can encapsulate a life? This is the Katherine Mansfield Statue. It stands here in Midland Park on Lambton Quay. It honors the renowned New Zealand writer.
This impressive artwork is named Woman of Words. It was unveiled in May 2013. Celia Wade-Brown was Wellington’s Mayor at the time.
The Katherine Mansfield Statue is a joint project. The Wellington Sculpture Trust, the Katherine Mansfield Society, and the Wellington City Council collaborated. Funding came from various organizations. These included the Nikau Foundation and the Richard and Doreen Evans Charitable Trust. Apex Properties, Todd Corporation, and others also contributed.
Virginia King, a New Zealand sculptor, created this artwork. The Katherine Mansfield Statue is made of stainless steel. Words from Mansfield’s writings embellish it. At night, the statue glows from within. It becomes a radiant beacon of literature.
The Katherine Mansfield Statue is 3.3 meters tall. It depicts the writer striding confidently. She is like a warrior. She wears a metal garment. The surface is laser-cut with phrases from her stories. During the day, it reflects the surroundings.
King was inspired by Mansfield’s desire. Mansfield wished to be seen as a writer first. Her hands resemble those of a musician. This reflects Mansfield’s early training as a cellist.
Look closely at the head of the Katherine Mansfield Statue. It is slightly turned. This references Mansfield’s intense memories of the past. The words on her head are her shopping lists. They also include her to-do lists.
The Katherine Mansfield Statue is only the second statue of a woman in Wellington. The other is Queen Victoria.
The statue’s location is significant. Katherine Mansfield was born in Wellington. She longed to escape the confines of her family and society.
King incorporated text into the sculpture. This reflects Mansfield’s tension. It represents her identity as both a writer and a woman. The statue combines high and low aspects of her writing.
The statue is made from marine grade 316 stainless steel. Amber lights at its base create a dynamic effect. It mirrors the surroundings during the day. At night, it illuminates the words.
Neil Plimmer described it as a significant addition. He is the Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust. It is a worthy tribute to Wellington’s daughter. The Katherine Mansfield Statue raises questions about gender and heritage. It enriches Wellington’s public art scene. It may inspire future installations.
As you stand before the Katherine Mansfield Statue, consider her legacy. She was a modernist prose artist. Her work continues to resonate today. This statue is more than just art. It is a reminder of Wellington’s history and culture. It also ensures that Mansfield’s words live on.