The Bollards form a narrative of the people and events associated through history with Geelong, Victoria. The painted figures represent a whole spectrum of local characters from native inhabitants and explorers to opera singers and lifesavers, as well as preserving and highlighting historic events.
The inspiration for the Bollards came from the artist, Jan Mitchell. Work on the Bollards began in 1995 including nearly a year of extensive research with the last of the figures completed in 1999.
Jan chooses the timber for each figure from huge reclaimed pier pylons of Australian red iron bark or turpentine hardwood. The timber is then shaped by carver/prop-maker Pieter Roos. Along with assistant artist John Starr, Jan paints the figures in the technique of trompe l'oeil (three-dimensional illusion). The figures stand over two metres high and make an impressive sight along the Corio Bay foreshore.