Our Walks

Dec 18, 2011

Faulconbridge

Statue in the Corridor of Oaks, Faulconbridge

The Corridor of Oaks has an oak tree planted by each of Australia's Prime Ministers (or by a representative) since federation . Joseph Jackson MLA (1874–1961), was the founder of the Corridor of Oaks and donated 20 acres of land for this purpose in 1933 .

Near the Corridor of Oaks is Jackson Park and an adjoining bush reserve. These photos of flowers were taken on a short walk around Jackson Park Reserve. Location map

Triggerplant (Stylidium graminifolium) [left]
It's called the Trigger Plant because an insect can trigger the release of the stigma & stamen column onto the insect, which assists pollen exchange.

Fringed Violet (Thysanotus tuberosus) [right]

Sir Henry Parkes (1816 - 1896) was Premier of NSW five times, or Prime Minister as it was called before federation, and is known as the 'Father of Australian Federation'. His grave is quite near the station at Faulconbridge, which was named after Parkes' residence, 'Faulconbridge House'

Sir Henry Parkes Grave, Faulconbridge

Blue Mountains Local Studies

The Corridor of Oaks is further along Sir Henrys Parade, towards Springwood. Location map

Dec 4, 2011

Sculpture by the Sea, 2011 (2)

Belinda Villani - The predators in the park

This is my second post of 2011 'Sculpture by the Sea' photos

Robert Hague - Aporia II

Simon McGrath - Who left the tap running

This giant tap set was very popular with both children and adults, as were the lions above.

Ayad Alqarogholli - Heavenly kiss

Michael Purdy - Tectonic

The two sculptures below were in 'Sculpture Inside', an exhibition of smaller sculptures, which were housed in a marquee in Mark's Park. Michael Purdy uses Sydney sandstone for his sculptures.

Michael Purdy - red sea

Deborah Halpern - Little princess

Nov 27, 2011

National Art School

The National Art School buildings, in Forbes Street, were originally Darlinghurst Gaol.
Built partly by convicts, and partly by the free labour, the gaol featured a panopticon, which allowed for surveillance of the prisoners from a central position.
Building of the prison commenced in 1822, but due to funding problems, it was not completed until the 1880’s. Convict transportation had ceased in 1840 and treating prisoners more humanely was one element of the much larger endeavour of creating a civil society.

The Chapel building (below) was restored in 2004 and is used for life drawing classes.

The former Chapel. NSA

The Art School grew out of Sydney Technical College. The Department of Art was moved from Ultimo to the disused Darlinghurst Gaol site (1922), and after extensive modifications, it occupying five buildings alongside other departments from East Sydney Technical College. The name 'National Art School' was embraced during the 1950's, although it had been used earlier.

The National Art School Bachelor of Fine Art degree was accredited in 1998 and the three-year course began in 1999. NSA has a Gallery in one of the original gaol building which was refurbished and opened in 2006.

NSA is behind the Darlinghurst Court House at Taylor Square on Oxford Street Location map NAS info

References: Dictionary of Sydney - National Art School and Darlinghurst Gaol ; NAS - History

Nov 20, 2011

Sculpture by the Sea, 2011 (1)

Chen Wenling - Childhood horizon

Sculpture by the Sea (Bondi) was held from 3rd to the 20th November 2011, along the 2km coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama beaches. The exhibition featured over 100 sculptures by Australian and international artists.