On 20 May 2021 at 2pm at the Moonambel Historical Police Precinct the Moonambel Arts & History Group is hosting an opening of ‘The Children in the Lock-Up’ installation featuring the work of Tom Ripon.
On 29th January 1896 ten year old Octive Edith Dean, eight year old Alice Louisa Dean and one year old Constance Palmerston spent the night in the Moonambel Lock-Up.
The charge was: ‘Found wandering and not having any settled place of abode.’
They were committed for trial at the Ballarat Supreme Court and on 4th February were committed to the Department for Neglected Children.
MAHG decided a few years ago to refurbish the rather dilapidated figures in the lockup, but it took us a while to work out just what we wanted!
Finally we decided on wire figures and engaged renowned wire sculptor Tom Ripon from Clunes to do the work.
If you would like to attend the opening, RSVPs are requested by the Moonambel Arts & History Group by 14 May [Contact details at http://www.mahg.org.au/contacts.html ].
