IF you’re strolling through the Queens Gardens in Shepparton, I encourage you to head to the north-western corner and take a moment to appreciate a truly remarkable figurative public sculpture of the great Sir Murray Bourchier.
This life-size horse and rider in full charge was created by one of Australia’s most talented sculptors Paul Smits, who spent most of his adult life perfecting it. Some say this piece of work was Paul’s masterpiece–the tragic reality was, it was unfortunately his last.
Paul Smits, the self-taught sculptor unexpectedly passed away in February last year at the youthful age of just 34. He left behind a loving wife (Holly) and was only months off becoming a first-time father.
Paul’s reputation as a fine sculptor received a lot of attention Australia wide. His thoroughness in emulating historical accuracy was important to him and is clearly visible in his sculptures, which are located all over the country.Ten years ago, the Shepparton RSL hatched an idea to find a suitable artist to memorialise the great Sir Murray Bourchier, who was a commander at the Battle of Beersheba in 1917. At this time, Paul was only 23 years old and became the chosen artist.
According to mentor, work colleague and friend Ewen Coates, Paul was described as a “determined perfectionist” who was caring, thoughtful and an extremely hard worker, whose career was really going places. He threw himself straight into the sculpting challenge that was Sir Murray Bourchier before the money was even raised.
“Paul was a great mate and co-worker, we had plans to do more work together and I wonder if I will find anyone like him again. He was so talented, eager to learn and pushed himself. A true inspiration and I miss him,” said Ewen.
Ewen was also involved in the casting of the bronze sculpture and took on the completion following Paul’s passing. “Working on it was a daily reminder that he was no longer here. I was surprised how emotionally attached I felt when I had to pass it on to the Shepparton City Council when it was completed. It felt like I was losing another part of him. He should have been so incredibly proud of himself; I know I was,” said Ewen.
In honour of Paul’s work, there is an Instagram page called ‘Legacy of Paul Smits Sculptor.’ The page truly shows the talent behind the artist and the love that remains by the people he sadly left behind. The sculpture of the great Sir Murray Bourchier shows Murray with a face of fury and wild intent with one hand clasping the reins whilst the other is aiming his feeble pistol into the imagined onslaught of relentless machine-gun fire. It is a masterpiece that should be viewed by the naked eye.
