What is that?: Hanlan’s tall oars pay tribute to Toronto’s famous sculler
Posted August 10, 2016 9:38 am.
Last Updated August 10, 2016 9:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
What is that?: Toronto sculptures explained is a new series looking at a different sculpture in the city every week. Have you seen a piece of public art in your daily commute and wondered what it was about? Me too … so I’ve decided that I’d learn a little bit more about my own city and share it with you.
Edward Hanlan statue | Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island Park, at the ferry dock
A bronze statue of Edward “Ned” Hanlan reaching to the sky greets people disembarking from the ferry at Hanlan’s Point.
The island, famous for its clothing-optional beach, was named after the sculler.
Hanlan stands barefoot and shirtless on a pedestal, holding two oars upright that appear to be double his height.
A bird sits perched at Hanlan’s feet, wings open appearing to take flight.
According to the book “Creating Memory: A Guide to Outdoor Public Sculpture in Toronto,” the statue, created by sculptor Emanuel Hahn, had stood at the CNE grounds since 1926. In 2004, it was moved to the island, where Hanlan used to live.
The statue was installed by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation to pay tribute to the popular Torontonian.
Hanlan, who was born in Toronto, started rowing when his family lived on the island. According to a sign at the foot of the statue, he became an international sculler and won an amateur rowing championship in Toronto is 1873 and became a professional in 1876.
The book also claims that the statue is the oldest sculpture anywhere on the waterfront, and stands tall at nine metres.
The pedestal has a canoe sticking out of it.
One of the inscriptions reads: Edward Hanlan, the most renowned oarsman of any age whose victorious career has no parallel in the annals of sport. Born and died in Toronto, July 12, 1855 – January 4, 1908.
