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William Ricketts Sanctuary
Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, , 3767 parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary-gardens-of-the-dandenongsAbout
Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again. Things to do - Kiln-fired clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures are discreetly set among rocks, fern trees and Mountain Ash. These sculptures are an expression of Rickett's philosophy - that all people need to act as custodians of the natural environment in the same way as Aborigines, the inspiration for much of his work. - Stroll through the gardens and explore the 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings. - Enjoy the audio-visual display featuring William Ricketts where visitors can see for themselves the vision and passion that live in his art. Heritage In the 1930s William Rickets bought a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong and called it Potter's Sanctuary. Word spread about the extraordinary sculptures that began to adorn the property. In time, the Victorian Government heard about his work and, in the early 1960s, the land and adjoining blocks were bought for the people. William Ricketts lived on at the Sanctuary into his nineties and continued to create his sculptures until his death in 1993. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
