'Ripper' sculpture returns to gallery site

A large piece from the Orange community’s contemporary sculpture collection that was removed during construction of the new Orange Regional Museum, is now back in pride of place alongside the entrance to the site.

‘Ripper’, a work by artist Chris Fox was placed in storage for twelve months while construction work continued.

The artist was brought back to the site earlier this year to help position and align the sculpture in its new location. The Regional Arts Foundation was also consulted about the new location.

Two and a half cubic metres of concrete foundations were installed before the four metre high stainless steel and steel plate structure was craned into position and re-assembled.

RETURNED: John Siret from Midstate Mechanical is pictured re-installing ‘Ripper’ at the front of the new Orange Regional Museum. The piece of modern sculpture has been in storage while the new Orange Regional Museum was built. (Pictured on the scaffolding are Jessie Siret and Steve Collison.)

John Siret and his team from Midstate Mechanical, oversaw the re-assembly, which saw the two halves of the structure welded together again.

Orange City Council’s Museum Committee chair, Cr Neil Jones is delighted to see the sculpture in place again.

“The Orange community has a fantastic collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures, and this work by Chris Fox called ‘Ripper’ is a key part of that collection,” Cr Neil Jones said.

“For me this crane shape has connections with Orange’s rich history of farming and mining. It’s a crane that’s under pressure and is buckling due to the load it’s carrying.”

“It’s former location would see it hidden between two buildings. I’m pleased it will be visible both from inside the museum and gallery but also be right along the entrance as visitors approach the site from Byng Street.”