New home for ‘‘Cow up a Tree’’ sculpture

The iconic “Cow up a Tree” artwork on Harbour Esplanade is set to move to a new home just down the road – to the plaza opposite LaTrobe St.

Development Victoria (DV) has worked with the artist, John Kelly and the sculpture’s owner, the City of Melbourne, to agree the new location, and will now engage a landscape architect to design a suitable setting for the sculpture’s proposed location.

DV’s general manager, precincts, Simon Wilson, said there was a range of works occurring along Harbour Esplanade.

“The works and initiatives will improve this section of Harbour Esplanade; however, we do not want them to impact on Cow up a Tree and have sought an alternative location, in consultation with the artist and City of Melbourne,” he said.

“We would rather see the sculpture relocated rather than have it go into storage while work is underway. The new location is ideal and gives the sculpture high visibility from both Harbour Esplanade and LaTrobe St.

“This is a good outcome for everyone who loves this Melbourne icon.”

City of Melbourne Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said Cow up a Tree was one of Docklands’ first pieces of public art.

“Cow up a Tree was displayed to great acclaim in Paris but John Kelly’s masterpiece has found its true home in Docklands,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.

“I am pleased that DV has secured a high profile Docklands location for this iconic piece so it can continue to be enjoyed by residents, workers and visitors.”

The Cow up a Tree artwork is an iconic eight-metre-high, five-tonne bronze sculpture by John Kelly which has become synonymous with Docklands.

It is part of DV’s Docklands Art Trail, which features 26 pieces of art.

“We are proud to oversee the extensive public art program in Docklands, which is widely recognised for its contribution to the unique feel and character of the precinct,” Mr Wilson said.

“The art program has delivered an extensive range of works including sculptures, such as Cow up a Tree, that have been integrated into the public realm and landscape of Docklands.”

Development Victoria will commence procurement of a landscape architect to lead the artwork relocation process in early May.