Francis Upritchard’s Rock has landed at Hayes Paddock, gifting Hamilton a striking new public artwork. Mary Anne Gill was at the unveiling.
Mana whenua representative Wini Paekau watched on by guests at the unveiling talks of the importance of the site where Rock now sits. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Hamilton has a new landmark to enjoy: Rock, a striking bronze sculpture by internationally renowned artist Francis Upritchard.
Unveiled at Hayes Paddock Reserve last month, the artwork – donated by Dallas Fisher and Helen Gleeson in memory of their late friend Glennis du Chatenier who lived nearby – has already captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The reserve, nestled alongside the Waikato River and a popular route through to Hamilton Gardens, is a much‑loved community space in Hayes Paddock.
Nearby attractions include the Wellington Street Beach, a children’s playground, and a grove of chestnut trees.
Jeremy Mayall and son Wolfgang admire the Rock. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Now, it’s also home to a piece of art that invites curiosity and delight. It is the fifth public artwork gifted to the city by Mesh Sculpture Hamilton.
Rock joins four other Mesh gifts to Hamilton: Te Tatau ki Kirikiriroa (Victoria on the River), Tongue of the Dog (Waikato Museum), Te Waharoa ki te Ao Maarama – The Entranceway to the World of Enlightenment (Hamilton Lake), and Te Pumanawa o te Whenua – Beat Connection (Claudelands).
Rock began life as a hand‑moulded form in balata rubber, its distinctive texture preserved when cast in bronze.
The sculpture depicts two elongated figures – Long Arms and Long Legs – piggybacking and entwined as they build a rock pile. It is inspired by a Japanese folk tale of yokai (supernatural beings) who must work together to complete even simple tasks – imagined as building a rock pile.
Visitors are encouraged to touch, wonder, and imagine. It’s a piece for everyone, offering a moment of surprise and joy along the river path, says Mesh chair Stuart Anderson.
Mesh chair Stuart Anderson in front of Rock. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Wini Paekau, representing mana whenua, says the sculpture is a worthy addition to an area where there was once the major Te Nihinihi Pā site, occupied by Ngāti Koura and Ngāti Hanui at various times during its existence.
Mesh curator Laree Payne says it was “immediately obvious” to her that the Francis Upritchard work was the right one for the site.
Upritchard, born in New Plymouth and now based between London and New Zealand, is celebrated for her figurative sculptures that blend mythology, literature, and history. Her works often feature unusual materials – from polymer plastic to glass and bronze – and explore human‑like forms with a touch of the fantastical.
“Rather than dominate the site with scale, it (the sculpture) reflects the size of the park’s smaller frequenters, which are children, of course,” says Payne.
“And at the same time, its detail and unusual surface quality insists that those travelling along the river path start to slow down for a closer look.”
Upritchard was not at the unveiling but sent a message saying she would visit next year to see her work in the reserve.
Its depiction mirrored those involved in bringing the Rock to Hamilton and showed how many hands can make culture possible, she says.
Mesh was formed in 2010 to commission nationally significant public artworks for the city. Funded entirely by donations from generous individuals, families, and charitable groups, Mesh’s projects are gifts to Hamilton – creating a legacy of art in public spaces.
“Art doesn’t just belong in galleries – it belongs in the heart of our communities, where it can surprise, delight and connect us,” says Anderson.
The Hudsons – Alex and Asterix (Little Star), 18 months, engage with the Rock. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The Hudsons – Alex and Asterix (Little Star), 18 months, engage with the Rock. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
