|
Ben Buckler is the name given to the northern headland of Bondi. The name first appears in 1831 and is believed to have been bestowed by Governor Macquarie who called it Ben-Becula, due to its resemblance to an island in Scotland's outer Hebrides. Other theories are that Ben Buckler was a convict who lived in the rocks at North Bondi or that it is a corruption of the Aboriginal word 'Baal-Buckalea' as originally, the entire area was inhabited by Aboriginal communities only and emanates a magical energy.
On the 15 July 1912, a 235 tonne boulder was literally 'spat' from the Tasman Sea and although historically recorded as 'Big Ben', 'Flat Rock' or 'Big Rock', it has more recently and aptly been renamed 'The Mermaid Rock'. On the 3 April 1960, late artist Lyall Randolph, having recognised Bondi's desperate need for a general clean-up and tourist attraction and inspired by Copenhagen's 'Little Mermaid' statue, secured 2 life-size mermaid sculptures 'Jan' and 'Lynette' atop this boulder. Lyall modelled his mermaids on local swimming champions 'Jan Carmody' and 'Lynette Whillier' and sculpted them in fibreglass, filled with cement, injected with polymer resin and painted bronze over a 2 year self-funded development, they cost $4,000 materialistically and priceless artistic dedication.
Lyall Randolph's 'Bondi Mermaids' made instant worldwide headlines, largely due to being controversially 'topless' during a time when nudity was totally unacceptable and bikinis were regularly measured to ensure 'politically correct' attire but unfortunately 3 weeks later, Jan fell victim to a perverted prank and was stolen by Sydney University students who stupidly thought she could lead their Commemoration Parade but instead tragically damaged her beyond return. Lyall was devastated, society more shocked and amidst scandalous scrutiny the community banded together and paid for Lyall to lovingly repair the damage and a year later, the 'Bondi Mermaids' were officially reunited. 'Jan' and 'Lynette' entertained the world and graced their rocky throne until 1974 when severe storms and seas claimed Lynette and Jan's originally damaged torso remained alone until 1976 when Waverley Council, concerned for her safety, relocated her to higher ground, she then mysteriously disappeared for 10 years and resurfaced only to be sadly 'stored' at 'Waverley Library'.
On the 22 July 1997, Australian artist, 'Mermaid Lizmania' successfully proposed and received Waverley Council's support to preserve Jan's remnants and to pay a long overdue tribute to the legendary artist "Lyall Randolph' and reinstate his 'Bondi Mermaids' in the more appropriate weather wearing bronze medium. On the 14 October 1999, Jan's preserved remnants (paid for by the 'Friends of Waverley Library Group') were unveiled at the new Waverley Library and now resides as a permanent exhibit. 'Mermaid Lizmania', morally supported by the original mermodels and Lyall Randolph's family, has dedicated herself, self-funded and singlehandedly promoted, packaged and acquired all artistic rights and legal licenses for the impending return of the 'Bondi Mermaids'. © Lyall Randolph 1960.
|
