Behold the River God a majestic figure in Fitzroy Gardens. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a piece of Melbourne’s history a testament to its growth.
The River God fountain was one of the first major statues in the gardens. Erected in 1862 it was a marvel. A man on bended knee bearing an open clam shell. This formed the centrepiece. The sculptor Charles Summers designed and cast it in concrete.
Imagine the scene. It stood for almost a century a silent witness to countless picnics and laughter. But times changed. In 1960 the River God was replaced by the Fountain of the Birds. The old style was deemed outdated.
Thirty-six years later a council depot housed the forgotten god. Then in 1996 restoration began. The River God was reborn not in its original spot but at the north end of the gardens. Now he faces south.
The design wasn’t random. It was inspired by Italian Renaissance sculptors. It celebrated Melbourne’s new water supply from the Yan Yean reservoir. This project was vital for the city’s growth. Clement Hodgkinson an engineer and passionate gardener played a key role. He was instrumental in developing Fitzroy Flagstaff and Treasury Gardens.
The River God was more than just a fountain. It symbolized Melbourne’s progress. Its journey from glory to obscurity to renewed fame reflects the city’s own evolving story. A poem from The Bulletin in 1904 even celebrated its beauty. A silent giant bearing the weight of a scallop. The poem spoke of a nymph’s embrace.
The River God stands today a reminder of Melbourne’s past. A symbol of perseverance and artistic achievement. Its story is intertwined with the city’s growth. It stands as a landmark for all to see a silent observer of Melbourne’s ever-changing landscape.