Girl on a Bicycle and Girl on a Swing stand at the western end of Bandstand Hill in Singapore Botanic Gardens. Both are bronze sculptures by Sydney Harpley. If you want to see them together, look for Bandstand Hill on the NParks sculpture map and head to its western end.
David Marshall donated Girl on a Swing in 1984 and Girl on a Bicycle in 1987. The works make a short two-stop walk for families. Children can look for clues that suggest movement in a sculpture that stays still.
- Location Western end of Bandstand Hill.
- Artist Sydney Harpley.
- Material Bronze with a green patina.
How to find both sculptures
Choose the NParks sculpture map for the gate you are using. The Tanglin Gate map covers this part of the Gardens. If you start from Bukit Timah Gate, shown in the header photo, look up Bandstand Hill before leaving the entrance. At the hill, use the map to orient yourself towards the western end.
Look for clues that the figures are moving
At Girl on a Bicycle, notice how the girl lifts her legs away from the pedals. At Girl on a Swing, look at how the figure seems suspended in mid-air. NParks identifies the model for the swing sculpture as Sapiah, a local factory production worker. Ask children which shape or position makes each sculpture look like a moment in motion.
Extend the walk to the Frangipani Collection
If your group wants another work by Harpley, find Lady on a Hammock in the Frangipani Collection. Compare the reclining pose with the two figures on Bandstand Hill. Use the sculpture map to choose the path and decide whether to return to your starting gate or continue through the Gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Are the two sculptures in the same area?
Yes. NParks lists both at the western end of Bandstand Hill.
Who donated them?
David Marshall donated both works.
Do I need an Orchid Garden ticket?
The two sculptures are on Bandstand Hill in the main Gardens.