QCC Fish Sculpture

A 45-foot-long sculpture crowns the corporate

headquarters on the seaside corner of building’s roof. Designed and crafted by Boston-area artist David Tonnesen, it is an abstract rendition of a New England cod. This fish has long been hailed as the traditional symbol of Massachusetts because of its crucial role in the development of the state’s early maritime economy.

Our Flying Fish builds on this tradition by incorporating unique design elements. The curved body is reminiscent of the shape of the sailing vessels that grace Boston Harbor. While we appreciate the sculpture for its artistic contribution to the Boston skyline, it’s also a scientific instrument useful for boaters. The scales of this fish are freewheeling rotors which rotate in response to prevailing currents of wind direction. The whole structure acts as a beacon, reflecting sunlight by day and floodlight by night. And, most dramatically, the eye of the giant fish glows with ever-changing color according to the Marine Beaufort Scale in response to wind speeds.

It is a historical reference but also a technological wonder. Tonnesen’s vision was brought to bear in consultation with an engineer, lighting technicians, an anemometer designer, a bearing manufacturer and a web cam specialist. Courtesy of the Flying Fish, enjoy real-time sweeping views of Boston Harbor.