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Condition
Joy was disassociated with her original location, losing much of her historical significance and connection to the Darlinghurst neighbourhood. She was greatly missed and her return was highly requested by many Sydneysiders.
Treatment
- The original sculpture at Macquarie University was deinstalled and transported off campus for treatment. While deinstalled, the artist made adjustments to Joy, bringing modern touches to her look.
- A mould was taken of the original cement and marble dust sculpture, and a new bronze reproduction was cast from it.
- Once cast, the reproduction sculpture was patinated, giving it a traditional dark bronze appearance, then waxed to protect the metal from corrosion.
- The original sculpture was reinstated at Macquarie University, and the reproduction was installed in Joy’s original location at the corner of Yurong and Stanley Street.
Outcome
The replica JOY is now a permanent feature on the corner of Yurong and Stanley Streets, and acknowledges sex workers who have lived and worked in and around Darlinghurst since colonisation.
JOY pays tribute to the complex and significant role of sex workers in the shaping of Sydney’s social, economic and legal history.
Initiated by the community, this project has resulted in a bronze sculpture that embodies the powerful message of community and solidarity.
In the news
- https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/sculptures/joy
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-09/nsw-sydney-joy-sex-worker-statue-bronze-loui-may/105965522
- https://artsreview.com.au/tribute-to-sex-workers-returns-after-three-decades/
- https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/first-ever-sex-worker-statue-joy-returns-to-darlinghurst-home/239673
- https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/art-and-design/article/joy-sex-worker-sculpture-darlinghurst
- https://cityhub.com.au/first-ever-sex-worker-statue-joy-returns-to-darlinghurst-home/
The artist making adjustments to the original sculpture
Before treatment
The new bronze statue unveiled
After treatment
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