Tuesday 1 May 2018

Queen Victoria Building, wishing well (Theme Day: Laugh)

The Legend of Islay is a monument outside the Queen Victoria Building, on the corner of George Street and Druitt Street. The 60 centimetre bronze statue of a Queen Victoria's favourite pet, a Cairn terrier named Islay, propped up on a sandstone wishing well was erected in 1987. It stands near a sculpture of Queen Victoria herself and a stone from the Blarney Castle is embedded in the brickwork. When you approach the dog talks: “Hello, my name is Islay. I was once the companion and friend of the great Queen Victoria. Because of the many good deeds I have done for deaf and blind children I have been given the power of speech. If you cast a coin into the wishing well now, I will say thank you." If you throw a coin in the wishing well, he says, "Thank you, woof, woof."

16 comments:

  1. Well from Idaho and stopping in from Perth Daily Photo. It been a while since I've seen a wishing well.
    If you have time stop in for a cup of coffee

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  2. Wow, at first I thought you might be LAUGHING at us here, Jim. Really, a talking dog statue?
    But now I see it's true! How did I ever miss this attraction in Sydney?! OK, next visit.
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. The novelty might have worn off for me but it certainly makes visitors and tourists laugh.

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  3. ...wishing wells have been popular for ages. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your week.

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  4. That made me smile just thinking about it Jim 😀😀

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  5. This is great, interesting and unique. Excellent for the theme.

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  6. Lovely shot ~ filled with so much history!

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  7. I am virtually throwing a coin in with a wish. Wonder if it will come true? Thanks for sharing this history.

    Peabea from Peabea Scribbles

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  8. You have spoilt us today! A wishing well with a talking dog.

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Thanks for visiting my blog. Please leave me a message. Jim.

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