This Friday November 30 at 11am, The
Mayor of Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC), Cr Jim Maher, will unveil a sculpture by Mr AP (Bill) Dangar depicting Signor Vertelli. The unveiling will take place in Curtis Park “McCarthy Gardens”, Armidale.
Mr Dangar’s sculpture depicts Signor Vertelli’s crossing of Dangar’s Gorge on a wire, which took place on April 2, 1886. The event was reported in the Armidale Express newspaper on Saturday, April 7, 1886.
Mr Dangar has gifted this magnificent sculpture to the people of Armidale. ADC wishes to acknowledge the generosity of Mr Bill Dangar and his family. Council would also like to thank the work of the Public Art Advisory Committee, Chaired by Councillor Chris Halligan, for all the work they have done to advise Council on securing the sculpture.
“For over twelve months the panel has been working to develop a formal framework for the acquisition and development of public art within the town,” said Cr Halligan.
“This work by Bill is a most welcome gift. Whilst it is a contemporary piece, it contains a local historical narrative that helps to tell the story of our district. Its location has been chosen for best display to locals and visitors alike.”
Dangars Gorge is approximately 20 kilometres south-east of Armidale and is in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. ‘Signor Vertelli’ was the stage name of John Morcom. The event was advertised in The Armidale Express as a performance: ‘on The Wire Cord a la Blondin’ by ‘the World-Renowned Vertelli’.
The event in 1886 drew over 200 spectators from the district, who presumably arrived by horse and buggy, to view the feat. Visitors gathered for picnics, making a day of the grand spectacular. The Armidale Express reported that: “a pleasant time was passed and the scenery being very fine people enjoyed themselves heartily.”
There was, however, “breathless suspense on the part of the spectators” during the time Signor Vertelli was on the wire, about three quarters of an hour. The gulf under Signor Vertelli in places was reported to be some 500 to 600 feet.
“Signor Vertelli first went over the wire with his balancing pole. He then crossed with a wheelbarrow and afterwards, without the pole, he performed somersaults and other feats on the wire.”
The sculpture represents both an historical event in the Armidale Dumaresq area and encourages an appreciation of the spectacular scenery in the national parks so close to Armidale.
