The conflict in South Africa is really not a part of our national dialogue, which is why I was surprised that the beautiful memorial located at University Avenue and Queen Street was dedicated to those who had served during this campaign.
Since that time, a $40 million dollar revitalization of Nathan Phillips Square has seen further improvements to the space occupied by the memorial.
What do you give the city that has everything?
On October 27, 1966, The Archer was unveiled before a crowd of approximately 7,500 people by both Mayor Givens and The Honourable William Earl Rowe. The reception was less than warm.
The purchase of Moore’s work wasn’t without controversy. In an argument that will sound familiar today, the City Council balked at the $120,000 price tag for the sculpture, questioning both the price tag and the validity of abstract art, saying the money would be better spent on hospitals or youth programs.
Located in Nathan Phillips Square, The Archer by Henry Moore (also known as Three Way Piece No. 2), was unveiled on October 27, 1966. Know at the time as “Henry Moore’s big bronze whatchamacallit”, the statue weighs in at 2.5 tons and stands a little over 4.5 meters tall.
Public Art of Toronto 