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Tommy's Story — Middle Park

Site: bluestone wall, Beaconsfield Pde, opposite Mills St.

Artist: Bill Perrin
Creative Direction: Julie Shiels

Description: A bronze casting of 1930's working man's clothes and boots celebrating the story of Tommy who swam to work at the wharves every day during the depression.

The bronze casting of Tommy's clothes and boots celebrates the working class origins of Middle Park and Albert Park. The work also recognises the older male residents who still swim daily at this site.

Traditionally, a monument like this would represent the man. However in this work, the absence of the body, and therefore a specific identity emphasises the egalitarian nature of working class values. Tommy is a monument to alll men who wore the working man's clothes.

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