Artwork Description
The Obelisk of Distances was erected in 1818 as an official starting point for measuring all the road distances in New South Wales, and it continues to perform this function today. Also known as the Macquarie Obelisk, it was erected by Governor Macquarie in what was then the geographic centre point of Sydney.
The monument was also the ‘symbolic peg’ indicating the furthest extent of the British Empire in the early 1800s. From a contemporary perspective it also reflects the process of superimposing European notions of time and space on the antipodean environment.
SUBJECT
The Obelisk is apparently the earliest surviving monument in the colony, probably built by convict labour.
The monument it is a tall, tapering shaft of sandstone approximately six metres high on a rectangular base and pedestal. It is set below street level, approached on both sides by flights of steps, and surrounded by a ring of wrought iron railing.
The once prominent position of the Obelisk has been been eroded over time by the encroachment of roads. There was originally a surrounding wall which had design elements reflecting those on the Obelisk itself.
ARTIST
Francis Greenway (1777-1837) was an English architect transported to Australia for the crime of forgery, arriving in Sydney in 1814. In New South Wales he worked for the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, as Australia’s first Government architect and is well known for buildings such as St James’ Church Sydney and Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney.
CONSERVATION
Major restoration works were completed in 2009.
INSCRIPTION
Inscriptions on the Northern face (Circular Quay side) read: Principal Roads. / distance from Sydney / to Bathurst 137 Miles / From Sydney to Windsor 35 1/2 do” / to Parramatta 15 1/2″/ to Liverpool 20″ / to Macquarie Tower / at the South Head 7″ / to the North Head / of botany Bay 14″
Inscriptions on the South Eastern Corner side read: This Obelisk / was erected in / Macquarie Place/ A.D. 1818, / to Record that all the / public roads / leading to the interior / of the colony / are measured from it./ L. Macquarie Esq / Governor
REFERENCES
Louella McCarthy and Paul Ashton (eds.), Sydney Open Museum Historical Survey, Sydney City Council, 1994, item 21, pp.61-64, xxvi