Leapfrog

1985

Frank Foster

Accessible

Type

  • Sculpture

Medium

  • Bronze

Dimensions

  • H1500 x W1800 x D923mm

Frank Foster, ‘Leapfrog’ (1985), Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve, Whanganui

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021

1985–Current

Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve, near 110 Great North Rd, Saint John's Hill, Whanganui

Artists
Credit

Whanganui District Council Art Collection

Associated Artwork Person(s)
    • Eleanor Burgess (Funder)
Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

A statue of two children playing leapfrog.

The 'Leapfrog' statue at Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve was completed in 1985 by Frank Foster. Hamish Horsley, a prominent local sculptor who assisted with this work, was erroneously recorded as the author on the accompanying plaque.

1984 was the 60th anniversary of Whanganui acquiring 'city' status and the installation of Foster's new statue was one way this occasion was recognised. Funds to create and install 'Leapfrog' were donated by Eleanor Burgess. A noted local benefactor, Burgess and her late husband Frank Burnet had previously donated a 'Peter Pan' statue, by Cecil Thomas, to Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve in 1967.

See also: