Monday, March 31, 2008

Cavenagh Bridge


This bridge built in 1869 was originally known as the Edinburgh Bridge to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The bridge was renamed in honour of Colonel Cavenagh, the last India-appointed Governor of Singapore. It was originally planed as a drawbridge. However, it was found upon completion to be suitable only as a fixed structure. It is now a pedestrain bridge.

It used to be accessible to people, rickshaws and ox carts but it was overloaded with the flourishing trade of Singapore and now the bridge is only accessible to pedestrians.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Kucinta Sculpture

I did not take a good photo(not the perfect angle) of these cat sculptures cause it started to rain and I was trying to protect my camera, so this is the only photo of the cats. There are about 15 such cat sculptures along Singapore River, sadly some are stolen.

These cats are known as the Singapura Cat or Kucinta. To know how the name come about or the origins of the cat you need to read this story.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The River Merchants

These sculptures are done by by Dr Aw Tee Hong.

The sitting sculpture is one of Singapore's earliest merchants, Mr Alexander Laurie Johnston, interacting with the local merchants.

The sculpture of these coolies(workers) loading goods onto a bullock cart, a common sight during the earlier days of Singapore.

Behind this sculpture is the Maybank which is sponsoring these sculptures. The Maybank Tower site is the original site of Mr Johnston's godown - Alexander Laurie Johnston & Co.

A common sight of teachers bringing students out on a live history lesson. A lesson out of the classroom. I think it is great.

Note: There are about 30 sculptures along the Singapore River, I hope to find them all but some are quite small and the river is quite long.

Friday, March 7, 2008

First Generation Sculpture


The above photo of the sculpture is titled "First Generation".

The sculpture was done by Chong Fah Cheong

The bronze sculpture shows five boys jumping into the river for a swim just like the people who stay near the river did in the past.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Bank Promotion

The mannequins on the scaffoldings are part of a bank's promotion. The bank is promoting its commercial international centre. That was why the mannequins were dressed in international costumes.

At first glance, I thought there were workers doing some painting or renovation near the bank...lol.