He's famous for 'Eliza', but this sculptor's heart belongs to boats

Tony Jones is renowned for his Eliza statue in the Swan River, which has a devoted fanbase and its own social media presence. Another of his creations, a statue of CY O'Connor on horseback near the ocean, is a cherished landmark in North Coogee. Jones' artwork is characterized by a strong maritime theme, which he developed from his early sailing experiences at Chidley Point on the Swan River. He often incorporates boat parts and sailing motifs into his sculptures.

Jones' workshop near Fremantle is a testament to his multifaceted interests. It houses various sculptures, including birds, maritime markers, wind catchers, and half-finished projects. The workshop also contains a collection of wooden beams sourced from dismantled jetties, as well as historic, often rare, wooden Swan River sailing dinghies that he has collected over the past three decades.

Among these are two Sharpies, the boats used by legendary Western Australian sailor Rolly Tasker during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Tasker and Malcolm Huck Scott won silver, Australia's first-ever Olympic sailing medal, at the event.

The Sharpies are being restored by Matt Dickmann, Jones' long-time collaborator, sailor, artist, and woodworker. Dickmann is striving to restore the boats to their original appearance, allowing others to appreciate their historical significance. Tasker and Scott's victory in the Olympics is considered a remarkable achievement, and preserving these boats is deemed crucial.

Lotterywest has granted funding to restore Rolly Tasker's Sharpies, and the association aims to display them, ideally in a traditional boat shed along the river, in collaboration with local authorities, yacht clubs, or the WA Maritime Museum. This would not only safeguard the boats' history but also provide a gathering place for boat enthusiasts.