Pause here a moment to appreciate these magnificent Elliot Memorial Gates. They stand as a testament to art and philanthropy. These gates mark the Park Road entrance to Auckland Domain. William Elliot gifted them to the city of Auckland.
Elliot’s generosity made these gates possible. He contributed to the Wintergardens too. Elliot entrusted Gummer and Ford with the design. The Auckland City Council approved it in November 1934. Sculptor Richard Oliver Gross built a model. Fletcher Construction Company won the building contract in February 1935.
The Elliot Memorial Gates are made from red Putaruru vitric tuff. This stone is also known as Darley Dale sandstone. It is the same stone used for Wellington’s war memorial. Turnstiles were originally part of the design.
Now focus on the pylons. Richard Gross sculpted the figures atop them. The one closest to Auckland Hospital features an athlete. The other shows a swan. The first pylon also displays a frieze. It depicts running human figures.
The athlete statue was unveiled on June 29, 1936. The Auckland Star described it as incorporating grace and vitality. The statue represents a shot putter at the end of his throw. A well-known Auckland athlete posed for Gross.
Interestingly, the statue sparked controversy. The figure was a male nude. Some felt it was immoral. They wanted it altered. The Auckland City Council’s Parks Committee voted to keep the statue. A proposal to modify it failed.
Councillor H P Burton wanted the statue modified. He worried about its effect on the youth. Others found the statue offensive. Despite objections, the statue remained.
The statue reflects classical Greek ideals. It celebrates physicality and vigour. For Gross, it represented the ideal male nude. The swan on the other pylon completes the scene. It represents nature and recreation.
So, here we stand before the Elliot Memorial Gates. We can appreciate their art deco design. We acknowledge William Elliot’s generous spirit. And we remember the controversy the statue caused. These gates are more than just an entrance. They are a landmark filled with stories.