The Don

The Don is one of Robert Hannaford’s finest sculptural works. This wonderfully expressive sculpture which sits outside the Adelaide Oval is a bronze cast from a clay sculpture by Hannaford. It depicts Sir Bradman performing his trade mark cover drive and quintessentially captures the movement and quality of Bradman’s poise.
The gaze of the work is strong, piercing almost, and adds to the vitality of the habit so well caught. The direction of Bradman’s vision directs us up, so as to imagine the flight path of the ball he has just struck. The handling of the work is textural and loose. A lovely aged patina gives Hannaford’s sculpture the air of antiquity adding credence to the eminence of Bradman’s legend.

Without a doubt, Australia’s most celebrated cricketer would have to be Donald Bradman. Known to all as ‘The Don’ there is a statue commemorating his sporting achievements just outside Adelaide Oval on Victor Richardson Road and it is simply one of most stunning statues I’ve seen in Adelaide. This larger than life bronze — it is actually a 2.5 metres — commemorates the sporting feats of a man who was viewed as a cult hero through his entire life and possibly will be forever more.
I first noticed the statue one night as I was driving down Sir Edwin Smith Avenue from the opposite side of King William Road. The statue was perfectly lit from beneath and looked incredible in the evening light. I think I had the perfect viewing experience. Having visited the statue again, during the day and from a closer vantage point was a totally different experience. It was still a stunning piece of art but somehow different. Like the legend of the man, everything about the statue is oversized from Bradman’s feet to his cricket bat.
The artist is Robert Hannaford and depicts Bradman playing a shot. If you’re a sports buff or you just appreciate good art, go and take a look but I suggest you go at night when viewing is at its best.