Pelicans of Paterson

The picturesque town of Paterson is home to a delightful group of pelican sculptures known as the Pelicans of Paterson (POP). These quirky, big-billed birds are perched in unexpected places—on signs, rooftops, and poles—adding character and charm to the town.

The POP sculptures were created by the late Bill “Wallaby” Cummins, a local artist and engineer who ran Wallaby Engineering in Paterson. Bill had a long-standing fascination with pelicans, which he saw as symbols of protection and care. Over a 40-year period, he handcrafted dozens of pelicans, many of which still dot the town today. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on through these joyful works of public art.

There’s a deeper connection, too: the pelican appears on the Paterson family’s Scottish coat of arms. Captain William Paterson—after whom the town and river were named—led the first European expedition to the Hunter region in 1801.

The sculptures have recently been restored and revived thanks to Phil Watts and the Rotary Club of Paterson. Each pelican has its own theme based on its location, making them a fun and unique way to explore the town.

How many POP pelicans can you find as you wander through Paterson?