Artists Concept

May Gibbs – Inspiration

The sculpture commemorates children's author, May Gibbs (1877 - 1969).

The sculpture recognises the special relationship between the South Perth area and May Gibbs – an artist, cartoonist and children’s book author who arrived with her family in South Perth in 1890 (Gibbs lived in the area for 20 years).

Released in 1918, May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have captured the hearts and imagination of generations of Australian children. The sculpture is based on the portrait painted by May Gibbs’ father, Herbert Gibbs in 1879.

In 1890, a young May Gibbs arrived with her family to settle in the South Perth area.

This sculpture captures a moment in time – when inspired by her love of the West Australian bush and wildlife – May glimpses at those ‘little creatures’ that became the genesis of the magical and enchanting world she created.  The pose is based on the portrait painted by her father, Herbert Gibbs in 1889.

The adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and a host of other bush characters have captured the hearts and imagination of generations of Australian children.

Next time you walk past a gum tree, check behind its leaves!  You never know, you might find a Gumnut baby living there…

May Gibbs – Inspiration supported by South Perth Hospital

City of South Perth