In 1972 Harold Freedman was appointed as The State Artist of Victoria (the only such position held by anyone in Australia).
Freedman specialised in murals depicting the history of a subject.
The mural “Regional History of Geelong” for the new government offices in Geelong was the first major mosaic project to be created by Harold and his team, and look two and a half years to complete. Harold created the full size colour painted cartoon while the assistants created the mosaic under Harold’s direction.
The mural is 50m long and 2.8m high, and was commissioned in 1977 by the Geelong Council.
Freedman actually lobbied at the time for the mural to be on the outside of the building.
This mural is unique in Australia as it is the first mosaic mural to depict a regional history. It is durable and virtually indestructible, allowing the public to touch the work.
Regional History of Geelong
Harold Freedman and his assistants working on the mural for the Geelong State Government Offices in 1978
the expansive ‘Regional History of Geelong’ mural, 50m long by 2.8m high
Sources
- Janine Tuohill’s Post
- Petition to unmask mural – theguardian.com.au
- Restore the Freedman Mural: Australian History Should Not Be Covered Up – bevmcarthur.com.au
- David Freedman’s Post
Petition
Please sign the Petition to Parliament to have Geelong’s historic mosaic mural uncovered .it has been hidden for 16 months .