Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

P&O Wall Fountain

Distinctive and significant public art work by renowned sculptor Tom Bass that was commissioned by P&O Orient Line for their new building on Hunter Street. It was fabricated in copper as a more affordable alternative to the original design of carving into the granite facade of the building. 

The fountain became infamous after Oz Magazine published a satirical photograph in 1964 that showed three men of varying heights apparently using the fountain as a public toilet. Since then the work has been commonly referred to as 'The Urinal'. The photograph was the subject of a legal battle during which the editors of Oz Magazine were accused of promoting 'public pissing'. .

-33.866380061642, 151.21037077903

Milestone
Opened
1963
Position
1963
Property
Part of
Type