Vandalised iconic Salamanca rabbit statue taken away for repairs

The heartbroken artist behind the statue at a tourist hotspot has spoken out on the vandalism as the icon is removed for repairs.

Rabbitwoman as Marylin Monroe and Dogman as a paparazzi photographer in the artwork Happy Birthday Mr. President xo by Gillie and Marc, at Salamanca Square.

UPDATE: The much-loved bronze Mr President rabbit at Salamanca Square was carefully removed from its usual home to under go much needed repairs.

Last Friday, the rabbit was tragically vandalised and left slanting far too close to the tiled ground after vandals struck leaving the statue broken and cut at the ankles.

On Tuesday, several fluoro workers carefully moved the statue into a trailer where it’s expected to be taken for repairs.

The sculpture called Happy Birthday Mr President was created by British and Australian artists Gillie and Marc.

They took to Instagram on Monday to share their devastation.

“DEVASTATED!! Our beloved public bronze sculpture of Marilyn Rabbitwoman was violently cut at the ankles in Hobart,” the post said.

They said it wasn’t the first time it had happened in cities across the world, saying their art had been spray-painted, smashed, stolen and even dumped in rivers.

“These aren’t just sculptures — they’re part of us. We’re heartbroken.”

The vandalised rabbit statue at Salamanca Place. Picture: Craig Herbert

Salamanca Easter calamity as rabbit vandalised

Initial: It’s an Easter calamity in Salamanca – an iconic rabbit statue in the Square has been vandalised overnight on Friday, with morning commuters being welcomed to the state of the poor bunny hacked at the ankles.

The sculpture, created by British and Australian artists Gillie and Marc, is entitled Happy Birthday Mr President and features the characters of Rabbitwoman and Dogman, with Rabbitwoman in the famed Marilyn Monroe-pose from the film the Seven Year Itch.

The vandalised rabbit statue at Salamanca Place. Picture: Craig Herbert

The feature was installed in 2014 as part of a joint venture between the Mercury Newspaper, Salamanca Square Inc and others.

A spokesperson for Gillie and Marc said the organisation only became aware late on Friday morning of the damage and said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the vandalism.

“This sculpture has held a special place in our hearts for over a decade, and it’s heartbreaking to know that it’s been damaged in such a senseless way,” the spokesperson said.

“We created Rabbitwoman and Dogman as symbols of love, acceptance, and unity — figures who welcome everyone with open arms, no matter who they are or where they come from.

“To see Rabbitwoman treated this way feels like a real loss, not just for us as artists, but for the community who has embraced her over the years.

“This piece has become part of the cultural fabric of the area, with thousands of people taking photos, sharing moments, and creating memories with it.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the love and support the sculpture has received, and we hope it can be restored so that it continues to bring joy and connection to locals and visitors alike.”

The spokesperson said Gillie and Marc remains committed to creating public art that “inspires togetherness”.

“We hope this act of vandalism only strengthens the appreciation for shared spaces and creativity,” they said.

Rabbitwoman as Marylin Monroe in the artwork Happy Birthday Mr. President xo by Gillie and Marc, at Salamanca Square.

Originally published as Vandalised iconic Salamanca rabbit statue taken away for repairs