You swine: Rundle Mall pigs targeted by vandals

The beloved Rundle Mall pigs have been attacked by vandals, who used an acidic substance to mark graffiti on the bronze icons. Now CCTV footage is being examined to find the perpetrators.

At least some of the graffiti on the Rundle Mall pigs appears to be politically motivated.

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Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor has slammed a senseless act of vandalism on one of the city’s most iconic sculptures.

Ms Verschoor said she was “absolutely disgusted” to learn the Rundle Mall’s bronze pigs – Horatio, Oliver, Truffles and Augusta – had been graffitied on Wednesday morning.

Some tags on the sculptures appear to relate to disliking the Liberal Party, while another pig has the word “genesis” written on it.

“It is just ridiculous – 21 years they have been (in the mall) without incident,” Ms Verschoor said.

“It is one of the most photographed pieces of public art we have in Adelaide, and someone would go and do this.”

The pigs in Rundle Mall have been graffitied.

The pigs in Rundle Mall have been vandalised.

Earlier this year, Rundle Mall workers and visitors were surprised to find the iconic Rundle Mall pigs dancing among a stunning field of pink tulips.

The vandalised pigs have now been covered up.

A local artist – who asked not to be named – said the graffiti appeared to have been marked with an acidic substance that “cleaned” the bronze.

It would have stripped off the patina – a thin layer that forms on the surface of copper, brass, bronze and similar metals – that gave the material an antique look.

The extent of the damage has yet to be assessed and a timeline for repairs has not been confirmed.

Rundle Mall Management Authority general manager Johanna Williams said the graffiti on the bronze pigs was unacceptable.

“The graffiti has since been removed as best as possible today, however the material used by the vandals will require further repair work,” Ms Williams said.

“The bronze pigs in the A Day Out sculpture are a South Australian icon.

“It’s very disappointing when the pigs or any other public art or space is vandalised.”

The pigs have since been covered in black tape and a sign that says they will receive the best “oink-ment” so “they’ll be back before you know it”.

SA Police said it was investigating the incident and would review CCTV footage.

None of the four pigs were spared by the vandals.

Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said it was a shame public debate and civil discourse was at a point where local South Australian icons were being vandalised.

”These pigs have lived through the redevelopment of Rundle Mall, so I am sure they will survive this,” Mr Hyde said.

In July, the pigs celebrated 21 years since being first unveiled in Adelaide’s premier shopping precinct.

South African-born artist Marguerite Derricourt created the pigs after winning Adelaide City Council’s public art work competition.