Bi-centenary Mural

In 1988, Australia celebrated 200 years since the arrival of Arthur Phillips' "First Fleet" and the original "Australia Day" (January 26th). If you have never read the story of the fleet, its arrival at Botany Bay and the move to a more likely site in Port Jackson, then you ought to. Quite fascinating.

Aaanyway in 1988, all sorts of community projects were funded to mark the 200 year celebrations, one of which was this bicentenary mural at Leura. As usual this is a stitched pano and therefore qualifies for Wideangle Wednesday. Thank you BobsBlips.

The project was led by two artists, Malcolm King and Julie McKenzie who were Blue Mountains residents at the time. See the extra image. Remarkably, despite the fact that this mural is now over 28 years old, it continues to look in pretty good condition. It is highly possible that public subscriptions have organised a restoration at least once in the intervening period, however.

There are many wonderful gardens in Leura, not the least of which are those at the Fairmont Resort which this art is intended to represent. I used to shoot weddings, which were frequently conducted there. If yet a further example is needed (of how advantageous it is to place images in front of dark backgrounds) try viewing this pano in LARGE and see how much easier it is to see.