Vancouver asked to honour sculptor behind giant metal crab with plaque

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      The giant metal crab sculpture outside the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is regarded as one of Vancouver’s iconic works of public art.

      But one fan of the sculpture believes more should be done to let visitors to the site know about George Norris, the artist behind the eye-catching work.

      Ian Waddell, a former Vancouver MP, wants to see a small plaque installed near the sculpture containing information about Norris, who passed away in March.

      “I think we should recognize the guy,” Waddell told the Straight. “He was a very quiet, sincere guy. Great environmentalist. I think he deserves it.”

      Waddell, who knows the Norris family personally, recently wrote a letter to city council calling for a plaque “to recognize this great artist.”

      Waddell’s proposal already has support from Coun. Geoff Meggs, who said he is exploring the idea with city staff.

      “George Norris’ work is still very important in the city but his identity’s been sort of hidden in many respects,” Meggs told the Straight.

      Norris, who was born in Victoria in 1928, created numerous public works of art across the province, many of which have disappeared over the years.

      But the crab sculpture, perhaps his best-known work, still stands in a fountain at the entrance to the space centre in Kitsilano.

      The city-owned artwork, installed in 1968, was commissioned as part of the celebrations for Canada’s centennial.

      Standing six metres tall, it is made of separate sheets of curved stainless steel welded together into the shape of a crab with its claws raised into the air.

      A small plaque about the sculpture is already in place on the ground next to the fountain. But it only notes Norris designed the sculpture and does not contain any other information about the artist.

      Comments

      5 Comments

      George Norris

      Apr 13, 2013 at 8:07am

      I think he should have something bearing his name or all will be forgotten over time!

      Wayne

      Apr 13, 2013 at 9:59am

      I agree completely. Norris seems under appreciated considering his contributions.

      Ed

      Apr 13, 2013 at 12:06pm

      He designed it, but Gus Lindbergh built it, he should get some credit too.

      Props to the crab

      Apr 15, 2013 at 2:48pm

      I love that thing - iconic.

      Alan Layton

      Apr 15, 2013 at 11:37pm

      You mean there isn't a plaque there already?! Then I agree with Waddell. One needs to be put up for both the designer and builder.