On May 16, 1967, sculptor George Norris was commissioned to create one of Vancouver's most beloved public artworks, The Crab, a stainless steel sculpture that now stands in front of the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. The sculpture, which is also a fountain, represents a First Nations legend that the crab is the guardian of the harbour.
Norris, who never achieved the renown of some Vancouver artists, created The Crab as a 6.7-metre-high and five-metre-wide structure made of stainless steel. The sculpture features water jets that can be manually operated to vary the speed and intensity of the water flow. Norris described the fountain as having moods, much like the sea, with the ability to reflect in still water or explode with water when the jets are on.
The Design and Commission
The commission for The Crab was awarded to Norris on May 16, 1967, at an event at Hycroft, the Shaughnessy mansion run by the University Women's Club of Vancouver. The funds for the $20,000 artwork were raised by the women's subcommittee of the Vancouver Centennial Committee, although the design was chosen by a six-man jury. An additional $24,000 was spent on the fountain.
Norris told The Vancouver Sun that the sculpture was designed to adapt to weather or events. On a rainy day, the water could be shut off entirely, while during special events like the Sea Festival, the jets could run at full blast. This element of surprise was intended to provide a change from organized lives.
The Legend and Symbolism
The sculpture does not have an official name, but it is commonly called The Crab. According to First Nations legend, the crab is the guardian of the harbour. Mrs. Charles Hillman of the women's subcommittee noted at the dedication on May 4, 1968, that the crab is also the sign of the zodiac at the time of Canada's Confederation.
The 1,360-kilogram sculpture was made of several pieces welded together by Gus Lidberg at Ellett Copper and Brass on West 2nd Avenue. It was then transported on a barge across False Creek to Vanier Park, where the Vancouver Centennial Museum (now the Museum of Vancouver) was located. Lidberg, who was proud of his work, called it the best piece of sculpture ever done in Vancouver.
Legacy and Impact
The Crab has become an iconic symbol of Vancouver. Ryan Hunt, CEO of the Museum of Vancouver, noted that even people who do not know the museum or the space centre often recognize the building by the crab in front of it. The sculpture remains a beloved landmark, reflecting the city's cultural heritage and artistic spirit.
