Victor Edward Greenhalgh
(b. 1900 - d. 1983)
Sir Robert Menzies
c. 1962
Bronze
29cm high
This bronze portrait bust of Sir Robert Menzies by Victor Edward Greenhalgh is located opposite the Kew Library. Greenhalgh was a sculptor and teacher who greatly influenced tertiary art education. He was one of the first Victorian sculptors to adopt a modern style. Greenhalgh was commissioned to sculpt the King George V statue in Ballarat, as well as eight portrait busts of Australian Prime Ministers which line the Avenue of Prime Ministers in Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens.
Installed and launched in July 2007, this sculpture was donated by Peter Costello, then Federal Treasurer. Sir Robert Gordon Menzies KT AK CH QC FAA FRS was Australia's 12th and longest-serving Prime Minister. He held the office twice, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. Altogether he was Prime Minister for over 18 years – still the record term for an Australian prime minister. Menzies was the Member for Kooyong from 1934 to 1966. The Division of Kooyong consists of part of the City of Boroondara and part of the City of Whitehorse.
This work was restored in 2022 with the support of a Community Heritage Grant from the National Library of Australia.
A plaque with the works reads:
Sir Robert Menzies KT, AK - 1894 - 1978
Member for Kooyong 1934 - 1966
Prime Minister 1939-1941 and 1949-1966.
Artwork location
This sculpture is located in Petrie Square, opposite Kew Library on Civic Drive of Cotham Rd, Kew VIC 3101.