Client: City of Sydney, Public Art Conservation
Location: Sydney, NSW
The Woolloomooloo Mural Project stands as a significant landmark in Sydney’s cultural landscape, born from the community’s resistance to the redevelopment of the 1970s. Located on the concrete pylons of the Eastern Suburbs Railway overpass, these sixteen murals capture the stories of the people who fought to save their suburb.
Conceived by activist artists Merilyn Fairskye and Michiel Dolk, the project was a grassroots triumph; while the Woolloomooloo Residents Action Group and hundreds of donors funded the materials, the artists dedicated three years of their labour for free. Originally intended to last just a decade, these artworks have become an enduring part of the neighbourhood’s identity for over 40 years.
At the request of the City of Sydney, Partridge was engaged to develop a structural remediation for this historic project. The original murals were mounted on ageing steel frames that had experienced significant corrosion due to trapped water and long-term bird activity. With the assistance of O’Sullivan Conservation carefully removing a sample of the original murals, Partridge inspected the existing condition which helped inform the decisions for the next steps for the frame remediation works.
Working closely with the original artists, heritage conservators, and specialist fabricators, our team developed a new lightweight aluminium framing system fixed to the existing pylons owned by Transport for NSW. The team at MCM fabricated the frames whilst the conservators carefully restored the painted zincalume panels.
Above: A sample is carefully removed, allowing Partridge to inspect the existing condition.
Above: the condition of the frames before restoration.
Above: Partridge engineer inspects the fabrication of the new frames at the MCM workshop.
The existing zincalume mural panels have been carefully reinstated onto the new frames, preserving the artwork while providing a durable structural solution. Four of the upgraded mural structures have now been fabricated, and installation on site is currently underway. This new support system and remediation work will ensure the design life of the artworks is extended for at least another 20 years, safeguarding their place in the community.
Significantly, the Woolloomooloo Murals are included in this year’s Biennale of Sydney, highlighting their continued relevance and the importance of preserving this vital piece of public art history.
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/murals-and-street-art/woolloomooloo-mural-project
