Ceramic Fins of Centennial Square Description Three tall mosaic fins rise from the centre of Centennial Square’s fountain. Each one is made of concrete and covered in tiny glass tiles. Together, they create a bold landmark: bright, textured, and full of local history.
The fins were installed in 1963 to celebrate Victoria’s 100th birthday. Each was a gift from a neighbouring municipality. Oak Bay’s fin shows a youth and the University of Victoria’s coat of arms. Esquimalt’s features a woman holding a child. Saanich’s depicts the legend of St. George and the dragon. These images reflect different stages of life.
The tallest fin stands over 10 metres high. Up close, you can see the shimmer of Italian glass and the careful arrangement of tiles. The colours shift with the light, and the surface feels alive with movement.
About the artist Jack Wilkinson, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, was a highly influential artist and art administrator during the 1960s and 1970s for both the municipality of Victoria and the Province of BC.
In the 1960's he was staff artist and senior architectural draftsman for Provincial Department of Public Works, and in 1973 he wrote that department's art policy. Wilkinson was also the chairman for the Provincial Committee on Art and supervised the procurement of 600 artworks to be added to the provincial collection. Additionally, his role allowed him to organize the art commissions for new provincial buildings during this time.
In 1975 Wilkinson decided to work full-time on his art career, and subsequently exhibited his artwork in numerous galleries in BC, Alberta and Ontario. His work is part of many private collections in Canada. He was also commissioned to create major public art pieces, including a sculpture at the BC Provincial School for the Deaf in Burnaby and Royal British Columbia Museum's Carillon tower.
Details Medium
Concrete, rebar, Italian glass tile
Dimensions
Each fin is about six feet wide and up to 10 meters (34 feet) tall
Site
In the centre of the fountain at Centennial Square
Artwork category
Civic Public Art
