Home » Themes » Landscape » Settlement
Wimbo Paddock Mural Print Page 
The mural in Wimbo Park is dedicated to long time residents of Surry Hills. The mosaic mural is made from opaque glass of various colours depicting the history of the Wimbo Park in which is it located. The mosaic pieces are embedded into a concrete wall. The mural was coordinated by local community artist Peter Day, in collaboration with Lee Stafford and local residents of Surry Hills.
The mural was originally installed in 1985, and re-instated in 1993 after developers Meriton Apartments illegally removed it in 1992. Wimbo Park is on Bourke Street, opposite Devonshire Street in Surry Hills.
The mural depicts the history and memories of Wimbo Park, which was known as ‘Wimbo Paddock’ prior to becoming a stone yard. It shows people participating in recreational activities including men playing marbles, a carnival with a carousel, a tight-rope walker and a hot air balloon launching.
The hot air balloon is based on the memories of a local resident, Mr Ted Sykes, who remembered the area as a site for circuses and hot air ballooning.
Note: The mural was removed in 2017 prior to the construction of the South East Light Rail Project which coincided with the expansion of Wimbo Park. It is unknown by Monument Australia if the mural will be returned.
Location
| Address: | Bourke Street, Wimbo Park, Surry Hills, 2010 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.889739 Long: 151.215235 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Art |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Landscape |
| Sub-Theme: | Settlement |
| Designer: | Peter Day |
Dedication
The Council of the City of Sydney
The Wimbo Paddock Mural
This mural depicts the history of this park. Seventy years ago this place was called Wimbo Paddock and was a recreational area. Some of the activities which took place here in those days are depicted: men playing marbles, a carnival with a carousel, a razzle- / dazzle, Blondin the tight / rope walker and Captain Penfold taking off in his hot air balloon. As the general area became developed this site was used as a stone-masons’ workshop by the Sydney City Council. Now it is once again used for recreation.
The mural is dedicated to the long term residents of Surry Hills It was made by local residents and co-ordinated by community artist Peter Day under the sponsorship of the Sydney City Council.
L. P. Carter O.B.E. Town Clerk.
