Amazing sculpture at Swanhill

Nellie is made out of thousands recycled aluminium horse shoes, shoes that were worn by champions from well known studs and trainers throughout WA.

Nellie is located on top of the hill where the remains of a swan were found in the late 1800s.

Nellie, a beautiful swan was named after the grand mother of Karen Ducat.

Earth Solutions Avon Valley commissioned Otto Hampel to sculpt a swan of magnitude to be shared by all, he chose to make her from horseshoes, he welded the shoes together to make the form of a swimming swan.

The welding of aluminium shoes is no easy task, it takes skill and patience.

Nellie is believed to be the largest swan sculptured out of aluminium horse shoes in the world, she can be seen from as far as 25 kilometres.

With her position on the hill, she will be a great back drop to take stunning photos with the sun rising and setting.

Nellie can be seen from 1175 Jennapullin Road, so travellers will have a great view of her.

To get Nellie to the position she is in from her construction site at Otto’s Studio, this would not have happened without the physical strength from Fresh Start members, local youth, the expertise of Murray McGregor and the strength of Ben Smith with his heavy machinery to raise her head to her body.

This all happened under the watchful eye of Otto Hampel whilst holding his breath under the watchful eye of the enthusiastic photographer Mike Vincent.

Thanks were expressed to all involved and the community support.