Circling into sleep: a working dog memorial

Key facts

Artist

Steven Holland [source]

Date made

2019 [source]

Materials

Bronze and granite [source]

Accession

AWM2019.899.1 [source]

Identify the artwork

The Australian War Memorial catalogues Circling into sleep under accession AWM2019.899.1. Its record identifies Steven Holland as the maker, 2019 as the date and bronze and granite as the materials. Preserve this object information when discussing the work rather than treating a photograph shared without a caption as a complete source.

Read the commemorative context

The Memorial describes the sculpture as recognising military working dogs alongside Australian defence forces. Keep that commemorative purpose distinct from a complete history of every role or animal. A memorial can introduce a subject while individual service claims still need their own documentary evidence.

Research a particular dog

Start with the dog’s documented name, service context and relevant dates, then locate supporting collection or institutional records. Do not assume that every dog named in a discussion is physically represented in the same way in the artwork. Separate the artist’s conception, the institution’s interpretation and an individual service biography in your notes.

Plan a visit or publication

Check current visitor information before travelling and consult the collection record for rights and reproduction details before reusing an image. Record the photographer separately from the sculptor where relevant. In a published caption, distinguish the artwork’s date from the period being commemorated. Use the accession number and source link so readers can inspect the institutional description and follow subsequent catalogue updates.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Australian War Memorial: Circling into sleep (opens in a new tab)

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