Memories of Harry

For decades, Harry Thompson was the self-appointed custodian of Shelly Beach. The well-known local identity lived in a caravan on the beachfront and was dubbed the unofficial mayor of Shelly Beach. Harry Thompson looked after the reserve at Shelly Beach creating a lookout, a bush track of 254 hand-carved steps and a unique style of bush furniture. He was both unofficial caretaker and an artist. Harry died in 2000, aged 83.

Now a unique beach sculptural park at Shelly Beach is dedicated to Harry’s memory. Artists, Stephen Killick and Stephen King produced the large wooden sculptures as functional artworks in tribute to Harry. Beachgoers are greeted by a large totem of Harry wearing “mayoral robes”, two ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ seats, and a sculptural interpretation of Harry’s famous caravan, which doubles as a picnic table. The sculptural park also includes a spiral pathway by artists Sue Bell and Rob Ford with ceramic tiles by Jann Kesby.

Image credit: Harry’s Sculpture and Spiral Pathway: Peter Williams / Monument Australia