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Karl Duldig - Raoul Wallenberg Memorial

Location 113 High Street,, KEW VIC 3101 - Property No B6778 File Number B6778 Level File only

[1/2] B6778 Raoul Wallenberg [2/2] B6778 Monument to Raoul

Statement of Significance

The Monument to Raoul Wallenberg and the Raoul Wallenberg Garden have strong and special associations with the Jewish Community in Victoria. The Garden was established in 1984 as a passive space appropriate for the commemoration and contemplation of the extraordinary bravery of an exceptional war hero. Since its dedication in 1985 the Monument has provided a tactile and visual focus for the Jewish people and others who regularly gather at this site to honour the memory of Raoul Wallenberg and to pay respect to those who lost their lives during the war. It symbolises the heroic and humanitarian qualities of this legendary World Warl l Swedish diplomat. Today Wallenberg's exceptional heroism is recognised world-wide and his humanitarion ideals are universally acclaimed. The Duldig monument to Wallenberg was the first erected in the world.
The sculptural Monument to Raoul Wallenberg has importance as a work of artistic excellence. In a long and distinguished career this work by Charles Duldig (1902-1986) was the sculptor's last significant commission. Duldig's work is held in major public and private collections both in Australia and overseas and during his lifetime he completed important commissions in Vienna, Singapore and Australia. Like many other emigres to Australia in the 1940's. Duldig lost immediate members of his family during World War l l. This work, together with other war memorials by the artist, was therefore exceptionally meaningful to him.
The cairnlike base is constructed from grey and red granite, basalt and sandstone blocks of stone, varying in shape, size, colour and texture. It symbolises humanity's struggle against the forces of evil and the destructioncaused bywar. The rough massive contour of the red granite stone supporting the head immediately draws the viewer's attention to the top of the Monument. Rising above the chaos and destruction Raoul Wallenberg's fine features herald a new era of peace and prosperity. In brass relief on a smooth surfaced recessed stone the simple inscription 'Raoul Wallenberg 1912- ' is clearly visible. (Wallenberg's date of death remains a mystery and therefore no terminal date is given)
As the Monument was site specific, the wall behind it and the garden ambience had a significant influence on the artist's concept and the design was also influenced by the memorial's prominent position at this busy intersection . Although a number of trees between the wall and the Monument have been removed since the unveiling in 1985, the whole area remains an integral part of the Raoul Wallenberg memorial.
Classified: 05/02/1997