Bessie Mabel Rischbieth
Artist
Jon Tarry
Materials
Cast bronze
About
This bronze statue by artist Jon Tarry honours Bessie Mabel Rischbieth (1874–1967), a passionate activist for civil rights and conservation. She is best remembered for her stand against the reclamation of the Swan River to build the Narrows Bridge, captured in an iconic photograph of her protesting at the water’s edge at age 89.
The sculpture captures both her elegance and determination, with intricate silver nitrate detailing evoking the shimmering textures of the river’s natural surroundings.
Fittingly, her statue stands at Elizabeth Quay, a place that reconnects Perth with the waterfront—a vision she fought so hard to protect.
Watch Artist Video
Where
Find Bessie Mabel Rischbieth at The Island, Elizabeth Quay. For more information, download the Art @ the Quay guide below:
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