A familiar symbol of Bridgewater is slowly but lovingly coming back to life, with restoration work well underway on the iconic “Jerry” sculpture.

In March 2025, mosaic artist Margaret Woodward began the careful restoration of Jerry — a much-loved public artwork that has long captured the imagination of locals. The sculpture was originally created by her brother, artist Tony Woodward and commissioned by the Rockefeller family for the opening of the Green Point Plaza shopping centre in 2007.

Inspired by the fog that regularly rolls across the Derwent — affectionately known as the Bridgewater Jerry — the sculpture depicts the mist in human form, embracing the township it represents. Jerry was originally positioned at the front of the Bridgewater Library, which was located within the shopping centre precinct at the time.

Over the years, however, exposure to the elements and acts of vandalism took their toll. Mosaic tiles deteriorated, damage accumulated, and concerns grew about the sculpture’s long-term future.

A community push to protect Jerry

The turning point came in May 2021, when the Café Connections community group met with council officers to present an idea focused on building pride in Bridgewater. Central to their vision was celebrating the Bridgewater Jerry fog as a unique local identity.

Their proposal included a Bridgewater Jerry Walkway along the waterfront, complete with historical interpretation signage. Jerry himself was highlighted as an important community asset, sparking renewed discussion and interest. These conversations also planted the seed for the now-annual Bridgewater Jerry Photo Competition, run by Café Connections and sponsored by Asthma Australia.

Later that year, in November 2021, Councillor Phil Owen, a regular Café Connections attendee, advocated for Council to remove the sculpture from its exposed location to prevent further deterioration. Jerry was relocated to the Council Works Depot with the intention of eventual restoration and placement in a more prominent, safer location with better passive surveillance.

Careful restoration underway

Margaret has been steadily restoring the intricate mosaic surfaces, recently receiving a helping hand from her niece to keep momentum going. Progress may be slow, but it is meticulous.

“I’ve been working on the mosaics and am making steady progress,” Margaret shared. “Last week I completed the second hand and I’m now moving up the arm.”

There has also been exciting progress on one of Jerry’s most damaged elements — the bronze circular sculpture. Specialist bronze sculptor Curtis Hore has recast missing pieces, secured the structure, and applied a full patina finish.

The restored bronze component has been described as having “a new lease on life” and will remain at Curtis’s studio until final installation, which will be coordinated by Dobsons on its granite base.

Looking ahead

Jerry’s new home in Bridgewater is yet to be decided on by Council but Margaret expects to continue working on Jerry for one to two days each week, with additional help planned over summer to speed things along. While there is still significant work to complete, current estimates suggest the restoration could be finished by March 2026, if all goes to plan.

For many in Bridgewater, Jerry is more than a sculpture — it’s a symbol of place, memory and identity. Seeing the restoration take shape is a reminder of what can be achieved when artists, community groups and Council work together to preserve what makes Bridgewater unique.

Jerry may be taking his time, but he’s on his way back — and the community will no doubt be ready to welcome him.