# Light Square

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{{Short description|Square in Adelaide, South Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox park
| name = Light Square
| native_name = Wauwi
| image = Light Square, Adelaide on 23 February 2025 06.jpg
| image_caption = The Tomb of William Light at Light Square
| map = Australia South Australia City of Adelaide
| type = Square
| location = [Adelaide](/source/Adelaide), [South Australia](/source/South_Australia), Australia
| coordinates = {{coord|34.9251|S|138.5936|E|type:landmark_region:AU|display=title,inline}}
| area = 
| created = {{start date|1837}}
}}

'''Light Square''', also known as '''Wauwi''' (formerly '''Wauwe'''), is one of five [public square](/source/public_square)s in the [Adelaide city centre](/source/Adelaide_city_centre). Located in the centre of the north-western quarter of the [Adelaide city centre](/source/Adelaide_city_centre), its southern boundary is [Waymouth Street](/source/Waymouth_Street), while [Currie Street](/source/Currie_Street) crosses its northern tip, isolating about a quarter of its land. [Morphett Street](/source/Morphett_Street) runs through the centre in a north–south direction.

It is one of six squares designed by the founder of Adelaide, [Colonel William Light](/source/Colonel_William_Light), who was [Surveyor-General](/source/Surveyor-General) at the time, in his 1837 plan of the City of Adelaide which spanned the River Torrens Valley, comprising the city centre (South Adelaide) and [North Adelaide](/source/North_Adelaide). It was named after the city's founder and planner, [Colonel William Light](/source/William_Light), on 23 May 1837, by the [Street Naming Committee](/source/Street_Naming_Committee). In 2003, it was assigned a second name, Wauwe (later corrected to Wauwi), in the [Kaurna](/source/Kaurna_language) language of the original inhabitants, as part of the [Adelaide City Council](/source/Adelaide_City_Council)'s [dual naming](/source/dual_naming) initiative. Wauwi was the wife of [Kadlitpina](/source/Kadlitpina), a well-known Kaurna elder.

== History ==
[[File:Light square adelaide 2.jpg|thumb|Looking south-west from [Currie Street](/source/Currie_Street) ]]
thumb|left|A photograph of Light Square in 1911 showing the Colonel Light Hotel uploaded by the State Library of South Australia.
Light Square was included by Colonel Light on his 1836 survey "Plan of Adelaide".<ref name=accplan>{{Cite web|url = http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/assets/documents/apl_3.1.31_sq_light_square_report.pdf|title = Adelaide Park Lands and Squares: Light Square Report|date = |accessdate = 2015-04-17|website = Adelaide City Council|last = |first = |url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160914130657/http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/assets/documents/apl_3.1.31_sq_light_square_report.pdf|archive-date = 14 September 2016}}</ref><ref name=adelaidiaplan>{{cite web|url=http://adelaidia.sa.gov.au/panoramas/lights-plan-of-adelaide-1837|website=Adelaidia|title=Light's Plan of Adelaide 1837|date=10 January 2018 |accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref> The square was named after Colonel Light by the street naming committee on 23 May 1837.<ref>{{cite web | title = History of Adelaide Through Street Names | work = History of South Australia website | url = http://www.historysouthaustralia.net/STsquare.htm | accessdate = 2008-07-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614012126/http://www.historysouthaustralia.net/STsquare.htm|archive-date=14 June 2008 }}</ref><ref name=streetnames>{{cite web|url=https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/Streets_of_Adelaide_and_Nth_Adelaide.pdf|publisher=State Library of South Australia|title=Nomenclature of the Streets of Adelaide and North Adelaide|quote=taken from The City of Adelaide Year Book, 1939-1940|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref>

Unlike the other town squares, which were left as they were for the early part of the 19th century, a grave and monument were added to the square in a nearly central position after the death of Colonel Light on 6 October 1839. The burial took place on 10 October 1839, attended by hundreds, and a gun salute was fired and the flag at Government House lowered to [half-mast](/source/half-mast).<ref>{{Cite book | last=Steuart|first=Archibald Francis | title=A short sketch of the lives of Francis and William Light: the founders of Penang and Adelaide, with extracts from their journals | date=1901 | publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Co. | url=https://archive.org/details/ashortsketchliv00steugoog|page=[https://archive.org/details/ashortsketchliv00steugoog/page/n155 130]-132 }}</ref>

The foundation stone for the first memorial was laid by [James Hurtle Fisher](/source/James_Hurtle_Fisher) in 1843, but the edifice itself, designed by [George Strickland Kingston](/source/George_Strickland_Kingston),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/collight.htm|title=Colonel William Light|website=Flinders Ranges Research|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> was not completed until February 1845.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158919680 |title=Local Intelligence |newspaper=[The Adelaide Observer](/source/The_Adelaide_Observer) |issue=84 |location=South Australia |date=1 February 1845 |accessdate=8 October 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71616285 |title=Colonel Light's Monument |newspaper=[The Southern Australian](/source/The_Southern_Australian) |volume=VI |issue=393 |location=South Australia |date=21 February 1843 |accessdate=8 October 2019 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} According to ''The Register'', "most of the old colonists of any standing"</ref>

In 1880, Light Square was surrounded by a [palisade](/source/palisade) fence of [cast iron](/source/cast_iron), with six gates, each of which opened onto paths laid throughout the Square, which were lit at night.<ref name=adelaidia>{{cite web|url=http://adelaidia.sa.gov.au/places/light-square-wauwi|website=Adelaidia|title=Light Square|first1=Owen|last1= Hems|date=3 December 2015|quote=Revised 1 June 2017 to update Kaurna place name spelling.|accessdate=2 December 2019}}</ref>

By 1892 the first memorial on Light's grave had been badly eroded by the weather, but initial attempts by then [mayor of Adelaide](/source/Lord_Mayor_of_Adelaide), [Frederick William Bullock](/source/Frederick_William_Bullock), did not meet with success. A second committee, formed in 1904, decided to create a new monument in Light Square and also a separate statue in [Victoria Square](/source/Victoria_Square%2C_Adelaide) (later moved to [Montefiore Hill](/source/Montefiore_Hill) in 1938).<ref name=adelaidia/> The crumbling old grave monument was replaced by the winning design in a competition, by architect [Herbert Louis Jackman](/source/Herbert_Louis_Jackman).{{#tag:ref| Jackman worked with [Daniel Garlick](/source/Daniel_Garlick), and later with his brother Sydney on the [Adelaide railway station](/source/Adelaide_railway_station).|group=Note}} and was unveiled in June 1905 by mayor of Adelaide [Theodore Bruce](/source/Theodore_Bruce) after an address by Deputy Governor Sir [Samuel Way](/source/Samuel_Way), and still stands today.<ref name=adelaidiagrave>{{cite web|website=Adelaidia|url=http://adelaidia.sa.gov.au/things/colonel-william-light-grave-and-monument|title=Colonel William Light Grave and Monument|first=Jude|last=Elton |date=28 August 2017 |access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Light is the only person of European descent (legally) buried within the city's "square mile"; the [West Terrace Cemetery](/source/West_Terrace_Cemetery) is in the [Adelaide Park Lands](/source/Adelaide_Park_Lands).|group=Note}}

[Tram track](/source/Tram_track)s were laid in 1908, and in 1910 Currie Street was extended to cut through the Square. In the 1920s, a redesign was effected, with the removal of the iron fence, new kerbing added and extensive removal of trees that were either dying or considered unsuitable. The designers maintained the [Gardenesque](/source/Gardenesque) style of planting, retaining a variety of tree species, which included [pepper trees](/source/Schinus), [olive tree](/source/olive_tree)s, [Moreton Bay fig](/source/Moreton_Bay_fig)s, and [river sheoak](/source/river_sheoak) trees.<ref name=adelaidia/>

Landscape renovations were done in the 1980s, including the replacement of old trees with new ones and another rerouting the pathways. A bronze plaque acknowledging the redesign was unveiled in the Square on 19 October 1986. Other statues and sculptures were also placed in the Square (see below).<ref name=adelaidia/>

===21st century===

In 2003 Light Square was given the name Wauwe as part of the Kaurna Naming Project.<ref name=rename1>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/kwp/placenames/meaning/?template=print|title=Kaurna Placename Meanings within the City of Adelaide|website=University of Adelaide. Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi|date= 27 Nov 2019|accessdate=28 November 2019 }}</ref> Wauwe, meaning female grey kangaroo, was named after the wife of [Kadlitpinna](/source/Kadlitpinna), or "Captain Jack", one of the three Kaurna Burkas, or elders, at the time of colonisation.<ref name=adelaidia/> Kadlitpinna was appointed as an honourable constable; he was issued with a baton and uniform and attended official meetings with the [Governor of South Australia](/source/Governor_of_South_Australia).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://living.cityofadelaide.com.au/city-squares-recognise-women-from-the-past/|website=City of Adelaide|title=City squares recognise women from the past|date=19 Mar 2018|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref> In February 2013 the spelling was revised to Wauwi.<ref name=adelaidia/>

==Description==
thumb|270x270px|Statue of Catherine Spence
The Square is divided into a number of sections separated by roads. Waymouth Street (runs east–west) forms the southern boundary of the Square. Currie Street (east-west) divides the southern two-thirds of the square from the northern third. Morphett Street (north-south) is interrupted by the square one [town acre](/source/town_acre) south of Hindley Street, and recommences from the south side of Waymouth Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Light+Square,+Adelaide+SA+5000/@-34.925377,138.5921254,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ab0cf25de1cbbb7:0x37d4ef3b92d1f3b4!8m2!3d-34.925377!4d138.5943194|website=Google Maps|title=Light Square|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>

Light's grave monument, situated centrally, features a [bronze](/source/bronze) [tripod](/source/tripod)  and [theodolite](/source/theodolite), atop a tall column made of red [granite](/source/granite) sourced from the Murray Bridge area, with a base of [Monarto](/source/Hundred_of_Monarto) grey granite.<ref name=adelaidiagrave/>

There is a bronze statue of [Catherine Helen Spence](/source/Catherine_Helen_Spence) in the southwest corner. The life-size [bronze](/source/bronze) statue was designed by [Ieva Pocius](/source/Ieva_Pocius) and erected for the 150th anniversary of European settlement in South Australia, unveiled by [Queen Elizabeth II](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_II) on 10 March 1986. The statue depicts Spence holding an open book on top of a three-tiered triangular pedestal,<ref name=adelaidia/> with the inscription underneath: "Catherine Helen Spence, 1825-1910, social and political reformer, writer and preacher who worked for children". It<ref name=sah>{{cite web|url=https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au:443/places/light-square-wauwi?hh=1&|title=Light Square/Wauwi|website=SA History Hub|first=Owen|last= Hems|date=3 December 2015|quote=Revised 1 June 2017 to update Kaurna place name spelling|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref>

In 2003, two sculptures were moved to the Square. ''The Knot'' (or just ''Knot''), made in 1975  by well-known Adelaide artist [Bert Flugelman](/source/Bert_Flugelman) (who also created the "mall's balls" (''Spheres'') in [Rundle Mall](/source/Rundle_Mall)), was originally commissioned for the [Art Gallery of South Australia](/source/Art_Gallery_of_South_Australia), where it remained from 1975 to 1995. Owing to redevelopment at the gallery, it was relocated to the middle of the northern third of the square in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/explore-the-city/see-do/maps-and-trails/public-art-guide/sight/the-knot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307125446/http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/explore-the-city/see-do/maps-and-trails/public-art-guide/sight/the-knot|url-status=dead|website=City of Adelaide|title=The Knot|archive-date=7 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Adelaidia|url=http://adelaidia.sa.gov.au/things/knot|title=Knot|first=Jude|last=Elton|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref>

In the same year, a sculpture named ''The Eternal Question'', originally designed by [Richard Tipping](/source/Richard_Tipping) for the [Adelaide Festival of Arts](/source/Adelaide_Festival_of_Arts) in 1982, was relocated to Light Square. Consisting of black granite blocks, they were destined to be used as a [breakwater](/source/Breakwater_(structure)) before they were saved by [Ron Radford](/source/Ron_Radford), the director of AGSA, in 1983. After a period on loan to the [Adelaide City Council](/source/Adelaide_City_Council), they were moved to the Square.<ref name=sah/>

==Social history==

The western side of the city was originally a largely residential area, created by the rapid construction of small houses built to accommodate new arrivals to the [Colony](/source/British_colonisation_of_South_Australia). As the population increased, the lots were subdivided further, making them more affordable. This drew working class and unemployed people, as well as temporary residents, [prostitute](/source/prostitute)s and other "undesirable" elements to the area. By the 1880s the living conditions were bad, with factories, workshops and warehouses being built among the houses. With a rapidly increasing population between 1870 and 1890, the area became overcrowded and the existing infrastructure inadequate, with poor sewage, an unsafe water supply and no footpaths. These conditions in the area, and the bordering Shamrock Hotel (now Colonel Light Hotel) being notorious for violence, prostitution and drinking, caused the west end to gain a bad reputation among respectable society in Adelaide.<ref name=adelaidia/>

Those [Aboriginal people](/source/Australian_Aboriginal)  who remained in Adelaide also lived in the area around Light Square, with an increase in numbers in the early twentieth century due partly to the policy of [assimilation](/source/cultural_assimilation). Many Aboriginal people returned to the city from [missions](/source/Christian_mission) such as [Point Pearce](/source/Point_Pearce) and [Point McLeay](/source/Point_McLeay), and others migrated from elsewhere, looking for better employment opportunities, education and housing. These groups included [Kaurna people](/source/Kaurna_people) as well as others from the neighbouring [Narungga](/source/Narungga) and [Ngarrindjeri](/source/Ngarrindjeri) peoples. The Aboriginal people created their own social life and places, and Light Square served as a community meeting place. Being close to the western [park lands](/source/Adelaide_park_lands), where many others camped, the Square became the main meeting area for this community from 1900 until the 1960s, when [Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga](/source/Victoria_Square%2FTarntanyangga) became more popular as an area to congregate.<ref name=adelaidia/>

==Arts venues==
<!--redirects target this section--->
Since the rejuvenation of the ["West End" of Adelaide](/source/Adelaide_city_centre), beginning with the construction of the City West campus of the [University of South Australia](/source/University_of_South_Australia) on [North Terrace](/source/North_Terrace%2C_Adelaide) in the 1990s, Light Square has played host to many events, including [Adelaide Fringe](/source/Adelaide_Fringe) events<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/venues/light-square-at-light-square-adelaide|website=Adelaide Fringe|title=Light Square|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref> and music and other festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://adelaidewestend.com.au/tag/light-square-2/|website=Adelaide West End|title=[Houndwave]|accessdate=29 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mhcsa.org.au/event/festival-of-now-2/|website=Mental Health Coalition of South Australia|title=The Festival of Now}}</ref> The [AC Arts Centre](/source/AC_Arts_Centre), a venue for the Adelaide Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/venues/ac-arts/|website=Adelaide Festival|title=AC Arts|series=Venues|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref> and many other events, is at 39 Light Square, and the [Lion Arts Centre](/source/Lion_Arts_Centre), [JamFactory](/source/JamFactory), and other arts-related institutions are close by. The  location of the West End campus has meant more student housing and night life in the area, and it is no longer considered a downmarket area.<ref>{{cite web|website=City of Adelaide|url=https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/resident/life-in-adelaide/city-neighbourhoods/west-end/|title=West End|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>

Since May 2019, the [APY Art Centre Collective](/source/Anangu_Pitjantjatjara_Yankunytjatjara), a gallery and studio space for the work of artists from a collective of ten artist centres across the [APY lands](/source/APY_lands) and [Northern Territory](/source/Northern_Territory), has been housed at no. 9.<ref name=araacc>{{cite web | title=New gallery run for and by Anangu artists opens in Adelaide|first=Walter|last=Marsh | website=The Adelaide Review | date=20 May 2019 | url=https://www.adelaidereview.com.au/arts/visual-arts/2019/05/20/anangu-apy-arts-centre-collective-adelaide-aboriginal-gallery/ | access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Current Exhibitions | website=APY Gallery | url=https://www.apygallery.com/ | access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>

The Lab, a live music and performance venue located at 63 Light Square, is the home of the Immersive Light and Art (ILA). The venue hosts bands, DJS, theatre, and dance performances.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Lab at ILA |website=ILA |date=16 November 2023 |url=https://immersivelightandart.com.au/the-lab/ |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Adelaide CBD Streets|state=expanded}}
{{AdelaideParklands|state=expanded}}

Category:Squares in Adelaide
Category:Parks in Adelaide

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Light Square](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Square) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Square?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.