Wish You Were There (Horatio)

On Saturday 12 July, Fremantle celebrated the life, made an art, by Horatio T Birdbath. Gayle O’Leary reports ‘It was a fantastic day and I can’t believe you missed it.’

Originally hailing from New Zealand in the 1990s, Horatio arrived with little over $100 in his pocket and then proceeded to live life entirely on his own terms. We have him to thank for murals being transformed from the official status of illicit graffiti destined for removal to being accepted, embraced, even encouraged. You’ll spot one of his most remarkable works on the wall behind Gino’s on the Cappucino Strip and on Fremantle planter boxes as well as bollards. Much more, usually private, was on display today.

“Do justice to your talent”, he urged us.

As he did right to the end when he passed away with a smile on his face.

Rather than a sombre, subdued, or remotely subtle affair, Fremantle decided to send off our famous bohemian with a bang.

First, we were invited to dress up in garments and garnishings once owned by the ecletic artist.

We were then invited to “wail at the wall” before a cheery stomp and dance with band Junkadelic.

Next, we marched to the Fremantle Town Hall for the main event. Furbabies also welcome.

At the town hall, the audience was treated to displays of HTB’s art, live music, dancing, and beautiful eulogies filled with hilarious or moving, heartwarming tales (some both) by friends and family members. Former mayors Brad Pettitt MLC and Hannah Fitzhardinge also donned headgear befitting of Horatio (which included a bird at one point) and shared their fond memories.

After the tears had dried slightly, Circus Folk invited us to lift our spirits and have a go at being creative.

In this context, that involved trying out juggling or perhaps hula hoops.

“Flow: The Art of Horatio T Birdbath” screened afterward, and if you haven’t had the chance to watch this very entertaining 23 minute documentary about HTB directed by Ross McCallum and produced by Marcus Canning then I warmly encourage you to do so.

The most adventurous then proceeded on to the Buffalo Club for the afterparty to make more memories. Others, like yours truly, were a touch spent and decided to head home but not before passing by one last tribute to Horatio in the window of Good Sammys.