Sculpture of Hans Grimus and Captain his Skiing Dog Unveiled at Mt Buller
Mountainwatch | Press Release
Mt Buller, Vic May 21st: A new community funded sculpture of Hans Grimus and his skiing dog Captain was unveiled at the entrance to Mt Buller Alpine Resort yesterday, Saturday 20thMay. The artwork, which captures Hans and Captain suspended in mid-air on the original Bourke Street Chair, aims to celebrate the legacy of this larger-than-life character and his many contributions to the mountain resort.
Following Hans’ passing in 2018 a sculpture was suggested as a means of commemorating Hans and his contribution to the Mt Buller community. The response from the community to raise funds for the sculpture was fantastic, with individuals and organisations from across the Mt Buller and Australian Alpine communities contributing over $230,000. The completed sculpture will become part of the National Alpine Museum Australia’s collection, alongside other artworks by Andrew Rodgers and Julia Anderson.
The artists, Peter Corlett OAM, Dean Colls, and Louise Skacej, bring over a century of cumulative experience producing award-winning public artworks to the project. Their humanist approach to portrait sculpture has created an identifiable and relatable artwork for those who knew Hans and those who have never have the chance to meet him. The finished work connects strongly with the community and will instantly engage visitors to the mountain with its playful nature.
Hans’ Australian story began in January 1960, when he arrived in Melbourne as a 19-year-old with £16.10 in his pocket. In 1961 he got a job at Mt Buller as a lift operator for Orange Lifts where he eventually worked his way up to General Manager. He started building Hotel Pension Grimus as a bed & breakfast in 1969, opening it to the public in 1974. He quickly added a restaurant after he was asked to provide accommodation and meals for ski instructors. Over the years the original Pension Grimus developed into the iconic award-winning hotel it is today.
The unveiling of the Hans Grimus and Captain Sculpture is a fitting tribute to a man who made a significant contribution to the Mt Buller community and resort. It is a reminder of the pioneering spirit and hard work of those who built the resort from the ground up and who continue to make it a vibrant and welcoming place for visitors from all over the world.
