Media release – City of Hobart, 15 May 2024

William Crowther statue vandalism

A statement from City of Hobart Chief Executive Officer Michael Stretton:

“The City of Hobart strongly condemns the act of vandalism that occurred in Franklin Square last night, resulting in the destruction of the William Crowther statue.

“While we recognise the intense community sentiment surrounding this council asset, we firmly believe that vandalism and destruction are not acceptable responses.

“The City of Hobart will fully cooperate with Tasmania Police to identify and hold those responsible accountable.”

Featured image above courtesy Rob Arnol.

Editor’s note: Rob is the person appearing in the foreground and described it as “the best thing I’ve seen in years”. He also said that it wasn’t him. Another photo we have seen shows the lettering WHAT GOES AROUND spray-painted in large red lettering on the stone base of the statue.

Crowther Hath Fallen – A Sonnet for Pruned Bronze

 

In Hobart’s Franklin Square, a silent body doth lie,

A statue felled by … its own hubris meeting modern history;

No more to surveil imperiously from upon high,

Pruned bronze now a police-taped mystery.

 

‘Reinterpret!’ the council had declared, as though

Grave-robber hands could ever be pure again.

Art tried its best to emphatically show

Far empire’s butchers are yesterday’s men.

 

But far is here, boyos, and here it crumbles:

Colonial myths are stacked for the shredder.

Arrogance meets ankle-grinder, tumbles,

And William Crowther – Premier, thief, arsehole – takes a header.

 

Let this fallen bronze be a marker of many brave starts,

Where justice delivered heals indigenous hearts.

 

– Alan Whykes