Designer: Pamela Irving
Year: 1992 and 1996
Bronze sculpture
He is a life-size dingo-like dog who surveys the activity in City Square. Larry was based on Irving's dog, Lucy, and on her uncle, Larry. She claims that the dog is iconic to Australia, and from the moment it was unveiled, Larry LaTrobe became one of Melbourne's most loved sculptures.
Despite being anchored to the site with 30 centimeter bolts, Larry disappeared in August 1995. Council immediately launched a campaign for his return, but to no avail. On hearing of the theft, Larry's most ardent admirer, Mr. Peter Kolliner, who had owned the foundry where he was cast, offered to produce another one. Irving altered the new Larry's colouring to affect some individuality (he has a redder tinge), but in all other respects he is the same.
Larry was officially welcomed home on the 16th of September 1996. Melbourne band Jugularity entertained the crowd with an ode to the sculptures. 'Larry Come Home - a dogumentary.' sung to the tune of 'Advance Australia Fair.'
