Sculptures and Statues
The SAS Sculptures and Statues collection showcases works by several talented artists, each contributing to the commemoration of Australia's Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). This diverse array of sculptures includes pieces by Robert Charles Hitchcock, a leading Australian sculptor known for his life-size bronze works; Dan O'Connell, whose sculptures grace the gardens of 'The House' and Ian Young, a former SASR Major turned successful artist. These artworks, along with contributions from other sculptors, serve to honor the history, service, and sacrifice of the SASR through various artistic interpretations and memorial pieces.
Robert Hitchcock
Robert Charles Hitchcock (born 18 August 1944) is an Australian sculptor. He commenced his career in 1970 and works in a wide variety of subjects and materials. Hitchcock is one of the leading portrait sculptors currently working in Australia today. He is known for his life size (and super life size) bronze sculptures which are located in private collections as well as public works of art in Australia and overseas.
In 2006 Hitchcock was commissioned to produce three sculptures of SAS soldiers for the SASR History and Research Centre in conjunction with the 2007 Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the formation of the Australian SAS. In 2012 he was commissioned by the SAS Historical Foundation to produce a bronze sculpture of a military working dog for inclusion in a memorial for dogs that have died during service with SASR.
The first bronze sculpture represents a soldier from the latter years of the SAS Company through to the late 1970s. The soldier is in a military funeral drill position called ‘Rest On Your Arms Reversed’ using the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle. The sculpture is one of two guarding the entrance to the SASR Garden of Reflection. The second sculpture represents a contemporary SASR soldier in a military funeral drill position called ‘Rest On Your Arms Reversed’ using the F88 Austeyr assault rifle. The sculpture is one of two guarding the entrance to the SASR Garden of Reflection.
Dan O'Connell
Dan O'Connell is a Western Australian artist whose sculptures are a feature in the gardens of 'The House', the meeting place of the WA Branch of the Australian SAS Association.
‘SAS Soldier Resting On Arms Reversed’ by Robert C. Hitchcock
Rest On Your Arms Reversed by Robert C. Hitchcock
The SAS Soldier - Circa 2007 by Robert C Hitchcock
‘The SAS Military Working Dog’ Circa 2007 by Robert C Hitchcock
The Art of War by Dan O'Connell
If You Desire Peace Prepare For War by Dan O'Connell
Ian Young
Ian Young served for 22 years in the Australian Army, including six years with SASR from where he retired with the rank of Major. Ian has no formal schooling in fine art but has been financially and artistically successful in creating contemporary designs and sculpture since 1981. Works in bronze, timber, resin, stone, cement and ceramics. Examples can be seen at www.inperth.com/sculpture and exhibits at Yallingup Galleries, Arq, Gadfly, and Studio South in Western Australia.
Various sculptures
The Various SAS Sculptures section showcases three notable busts honoring distinguished SASR members, each with its own unique history and significance to the regiment. Regimental Sergeant Major John ‘Blue’ Mulby, Captain Ben Larkey. “Para” and Captain Paul Netherton Greenhalgh in 1963.
Excalibur by Ian Young
“Simmo” Bust of Warrant Officer Class Two Rayene Simpson VC, DCM. by the Regimental Sergeant Major John ‘Blue’ Mulby
“Carpia Diem” Bust of SAS Captain. Presented by Captain Ben Larkey.
“Para” Presented by Captain Paul Netherton Greenhalgh in 1963.
