Zephyrometer
The Zephyrometer is a public sculpture by Phil Price in Evans Bay, Wellington. The work was installed in 2003.[1] It is a kinetic sculpture consisting of a concrete cylinder holding a 26m tall needle which sways to show wind direction and speed (Wellington is known to Kiwis as "Windy Wellington"). After being damaged by lightning on August 14, 2014, it was restored on May 13, 2015.[2][3]
| Zephyrometer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Phil Price |
| Type | Kinetic art |
| Location | Wellington, New Zealand |
Zephyrometer was the second of five major wind sculptures commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust over the period 2000 – 2010, which now make up the Meridian Wind Sculpture Walk. Zephyrometer is the largest and most successful sculpture commissioned, achieving iconic status in the city. The work has become a destination sculpture for International tourists, and is a beloved local landmark.
Lightning strike
On 14 August 2014 at approximately 2:30pm, the Zephyrometer was struck by lightning during a hail storm, leaving the tip of the sculpture frayed. A spokesman for Wellington City Council confirmed that the "needle" is "completely stuffed".[4] Video of the actual lightning strike itself was captured by Solomon Emet and is viewable on youtube .
Lightning damage on Zephyrometer
Damage on tip
Damage near gimbal
Damage near gimbal (close-up)
Lowest exit point (close-up)
See also
References
- "New sculpture to gauge Wellington's wind". Wellington City Council. 10 November 2003. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
- "Stricken Wellington Zephyrometer resurrected". Dominion Post. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
- "Wellington zephyrometer resurrected after lightning strike". New Zealand Herald. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
- "Sculpture struck by lightning". Dominion Post. 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
External links
- Zephyrometer official page from the Wellington Sculpture Trust
- Zephyrometer pictures at Flickr