Bluestone Lions

Artist: prisoner "jD"

Date of creation: 1880-1881

Material: Bluestone

Original location: in front of the hospital (later E Division). Now flanking the pathway as you enter the main square coming from the main entrance (Champ Street).

These "two carved bluestone lions, carved by a prisoner identified by the initials “j D’ in 1880 and 1881.” (1)

The lions were originally places in front of the hospital (later E Division) and were moved in front of B Division sometime in the 1970s. Later they were placed in the contact visit area between a bronze bell (9 Post bell).

After Pentridge Prison closed, the lions disappeared and were returned in 2022.

They are now located in the main square between former E and B Division.

(1) Conservation Management Plan, 1996.