Forms capable of flightEleven Bronze Rods supporting Albatross Wingspan

1969

John Middleditch

Hidden (in storage)

Type

  • Sculpture

Medium

  • Bronze
  • Concrete

Dimensions

  • Sculpture: H2180 x W1970 x D1100mm. Plinth: H600 x W750 x D700mm

John Middleditch, ‘Eleven Bronze Rods supporting Albatross Wingspan’ (1969), University of Otago, Ōtepoti Dunedin

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

1969–Current

By the front entrance of University College Hall of Residence (near 94 Union St East), opposite Allen Hall Theatre, Main Campus, University of Otago, North Dunedin, Ōtepoti Dunedin

Artists
Credit

University of Otago Art Collection

Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

Two graceful wingforms fabricated from welding bronze, (although reported to be sometimes listed as in 'brazed copper.') An Otago Daily Times article about the sculpture's gifting ceremony reports that "the association ordered the sculpture at the time of the University's centenary celebrations [...] but suitable copper was no available locally, and some needed to be shipped from overseas."

The work was commissioned by The University of Otago Graduates Association to mark the Centenary of the University of Otago, and presented to the University in December 1969. The association had "decided on the sculpture because it wanted to present something lasting and symbolic by a local artist to the University." The article further states the name of the work as being "Forms capable of flight", although elsewhere it has been recorded as "Eleven Bronze Rods supporting Albatross Wingspan".

The work was originally in a slightly different location but was moved approximately 20 metres to where it is now due to an extension that was added to the halls of residence the 1980s.

In March 2025, the future of the artwork came under consideration in relation to the late artist's sexual abuse convictions in the 1970s.

The work was removed in early April 2025, with karakia and waiata. It is now in storage awaiting a decision from the University as to its future.

See also:

  • 'Graduates' Gift Ceremony Indoors', Otago Daily Times, 19 Dec 1969