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Heath Ledger - News Accounts
Monika:
...same topic, different article
HEATH Ledger's love of chess has been set in stone at a park on Perth's Swan River, where he played as a child.
Ledger's family have given the City of Melville, in Perth's southern suburbs, a polished concrete and marble sculpture in memory of the late actor, comprising two chess boards and a yin and yang symbol.
Ledger's mother Sally Bell said the family had chosen the site at Heathcote Reserve, overlooking the Swan River, because her son had cared about the environment and spent much of his youth in the Applecross area.
Ms Bell said he often walked to the park with his friends.
"He truly loved it there," she said.
"As far as the artwork is concerned, we feel it is in no way offensive to anyone and blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment.
"As for the chess theme, not many people know that Heath was passionate about chess and was close to becoming a Grand Master."
The sculptor Ron Gombac said the yin and yang design reflected Heath's spiritual beliefs.
Father Kim Ledger said Heath's friends and family now had a place to visit that was imbued with his presence.
"People who visit the site can remember him by using and enjoying the tables, as he would want them to," Mr Ledger said.
"We didn't choose anything elaborate as Heath wouldn't have liked that.
"He liked subtlety and was very laidback but extremely aware of who he was."
Visitors can use the sculpture to play chess as they take in views of the river and city. The work was installed on Saturday.
Ledger's family flew from Perth bound for Los Angeles yesterday to attend the Oscars and spend time with his daughter Matilda.
The Perth-born actor is widely tipped to take out the best supporting actor award for his portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, the last film he completed before his death.
Ledger was working on The Imaginarium Of Dr Parnassus when he died, aged 28, on January 22 last year in his rented Manhattan loft apartment after consuming a deadly cocktail of prescription painkillers and sleeping pills. His death was declared an accidental overdose.
Penthesilea:
--- Quote from: buffymon on February 19, 2009, 12:44:33 pm ---Two pieces incorporating chessboards pay tribute to the actor’s passion for the game and a third piece, featuring a yin and yang design, reflects his spiritual beliefs.
--- End quote ---
A little off-topic, but not so much: I know Amanda will be pleased to read this.
Brown Eyes:
--- Quote from: Penthesilea on February 19, 2009, 12:59:39 pm ---
A little off-topic, but not so much: I know Amanda will be pleased to read this.
--- End quote ---
:D :D :D :D :D
Yep! Sure enough! I was just reading that part in the article about the yin and yang symbol. I was just about to quote that part myself when I saw you beat me to it! How wonderful. :)
Monika:
I was just very glad they didn´t erect a statue of him or anything. Can you imagine how much that would have made him cringe? :)
Meryl:
What a beautiful tribute to Heath by his family, and how Brokebackian, too! 8)
This makes me want to visit Perth even more. Now we have another must-visit location on our round of Heathworthy places to see in Oz. And this park is a much happier stop than Karrakatta Cemetery, or even Cottesloe Beach.
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