Dimensions
160 x 120 x 40cm (L*H*W)
Medium
Bronze
Style
Contemporary Sculpture, Figurative, Animals
Edition Number
/1
Location
Shoalhaven Council, New South Wales
Description
In 1861, a horse named Archer galloped into history, winning the very first Melbourne Cup and securing his place as one of Australia’s most legendary racehorses. Bred and trained in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Archer was known for his remarkable stamina and gentle temperament, qualities that would make him an enduring symbol of Australian determination and spirit.
Trained by Etienne de Mestre at his Terara stables near Nowra, and ridden by jockey John Cutts, Archer famously walked more than 500 kilometres from the Shoalhaven to Flemington to compete, and win the inaugural Melbourne Cup by six lengths. He went on to triumph again in 1862, becoming the first horse to win consecutive Cups, a record that still resonates in Australian racing folklore.
Gillie and Marc were commissioned by the Shoalhaven Council to create the Archer sculpture as a tribute to this remarkable horse and the local community that nurtured his legacy. The sculpture beautifully captures the powerful bond between horse, trainer, and jockey; a celebration of teamwork, endurance, and the pioneering spirit of early Australian racing.
The piece was unveiled by Tim de Mestre, great-grandson of Archer’s trainer, honouring not only the champion horse but also the generations of dedication and passion that have kept his story alive in the Shoalhaven.
Artwork Features
Gillie and Marc love working in bronze for many reasons. Bronze is a very hardy material and will last forever. As experts in colouring bronze, Gillie and Marc enjoy experimenting with their sculptures, adding a splash of colour to brighten the work, making it even more unique. > Read more
For every purchase of a bronze sculpture you will receive a certificate of authenticity, titled, signed, dated and editioned by the artists.
Care Instructions
Bronze is very easy to clean, allowing you to enjoy your precious sculpture with minimal upkeep. > Read more
Shipping, Returns and Refunds
Please visit this page to learn all about our policies. > Read more
