This sad yet striking bollard brings to life a whimsical piece of Geelong’s early entertainment history, the Joy Ark.

Built in 1912 on the Eastern Beach foreshore as a silent picture theatre that extended out over Corio Bay, the Joy Ark was promoted as a unique and grand entertainment venue. It quickly became one of the largest and most remarkable attractions in Australia at the time, drawing crowds eager to see films and enjoy seaside amusement. The building later evolved into a popular dance hall and roller‑skating rink, especially from 1914, where fancy dress balls and social gatherings were frequent.

In this bollard, Pierrot, the classic sad clown from commedia dell’arte is shown arriving for a Valentine’s Day fancy dress party at the Joy Ark, clutching a ticket behind his back marked “Admit One.” The costume reflects an era when Pierrot was a popular choice for partygoers at dances and social events.

Although the Joy Ark was demolished in 1926, parts of its structure were repurposed in the construction of the Palais Royal theatre on Moorabool Street, a building that still stands today.

Jan Mitchell’s Pierrot captures the fun, theatrical spirit of those early beachfront celebrations, offering a gentle and nostalgic reminder of a beloved Geelong venue long gone but not forgotten.