Tom Edwards Memorial (d. Martyrs Memorial)

Artist: Pietro Giacomo Porcelli

Year of Work: 1919

Location: Originally located in front of Trades Hall, Collie Street. Relocated in 1982 to Kings Square, adjacent the Fremantle Town Hall.

Asset Type: Memorial/ Permanent

Provenance: City of Fremantle

Description:

In 1917 Fremantle Lumpers Union stopped work on ships believed to be destined for Germany in the midst of the First World War. The dispute outlasted the war, with Waterside Workers’ Federation members blockading the S.S. Dimboola in May of 1919. National Warterside Workers Union members attempting to continue work approached the Dimboola on boats, a quarrel broke out and WWF member, Tom Edwards was struck to the head by a police baton. He died of his injuries in Fremantle Hospital three days later.
A fountain by prominent Italo-Australian sculptor Pietro Porcelli was built the year of his death, it is now located in King Square.

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