Council asked to look into possibility of selling Crowther statue to the community

Now that the statue of William Crowther is down, the question has turned to what to do with it, and one group hopes they can buy it from the council.

The Hobart City Council has been urged to consider the possibility of selling the controversial statue of William Crowther, which up until last week stood tall in Franklin Square.

The statue was set to be taken down after the council voted to remove it, because Crowther is known for mutilating the remains of Aboriginal man William Lanne.

The decision to take it down was challenged, but the night before the final verdict was due, the monument was cut down at the ankles in an act of vandalism.

The William Crowther statue in Franklin Square Hobart has been vandalised overnight resulting in the statue being removed from it's plinth and then removed by Hobart City Council. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The tribunal decision was for the statue to come down.

The Tribunal upheld the council’s ruling that the bronze part of the state would be taken down, and the statue is now being kept in the council’s collection in a “safe place”.

But one Hobart City councillor, who supported the statue staying up says there’s an alternative which has not yet been considered: selling the statue.

“Over the past months I’ve been contacted by multiple people across Australia who are disgusted at the Council’s decisions and the disgraceful vandalism,” Louise Elliot said.

Hobart City councillor Louise Elliot. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I’ve spoken to Dr Crowther’s descendants in Hobart, Sydney and Melbourne who are eager to see this artwork and memorial returned to the community.

“The people paid for the statue back in 1885. It’s only right that it be returned to the community given the Council has no plans for the statue’s future, other than leaving it in darkness.”

She said the council could stand to make a lot of money in exchange for it.

“The concept being spoken about would be making 1000 shares available at $1000 each, and then offering the council $1m for the statue,” she said.

The controversial William Crowther Statue used to be on display at Franklin Square, Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Private land would be sought as the new home for the statue, ideally with the location having a connection to Dr Crowther’s family or his medical or community work.

“First things first, the statue needs professional repair and the Council’s position on potentially selling this artwork to the community needs to be determined.”

The council’s planning staff have seemingly ruled out the idea.

“The planning permit includes a requirement for the statue to remain in public ownership,” council officers said on the most recent meeting agenda.

Last week Hobart Lord mayor Anna Reynolds said the statue would be reunited with the feet, which were left on the plinth.