Bourke Water Tower Mural
Percy Hobson
Story
This project was to celebrate the accomplishments of Percy Hobson, a Gnamba man who won the Gold medal for high jump at the Commonwealth Games, Perth in 1962 jumping 2.11m which was the Olympic record at the time, Percy trained himself for this accomplishment by practicing to jump in his backyard in Bourke.
Along with the boxer Jeff Dynevor, who won a Bantamweight Gold Medal at the same games, Hobson was the first Indigenous athlete ever to win Commonwealth Gold for Australia.
Meet the Crew
Lukas Kasper John Murray Bobb Barrett Brian Smith
Leading Artist: John Murray
This project was lead by John Murray A well known Australian artist based out of Lightning Ridge, the importance of this project was very special for John and the design of Percy jumping was actually referenced from Percy Hobsons Gold Medal winning jump. Incorporating in Black Cockatoo’s and a beautiful sky gradient background he wanted to create a striking piece that would tell an important story.
Leading artist: Brian Smith
Local indigenous artist Brian Smith collaborated adding Percys family totems of the sand goanna and Bilby as the main features placed thoughtfully on both main view points of the tower. With importance of the Gnamba people the design incorporated traditional Rock Art like rivers, people, hands & more.
Assistant artist: Lukas Kasper
Melbourne artist Kasper was brought onboard to help out the project, with his knowledge with scaling up murals and experience with spray painting helped spray the tower with John Murray and worked closely with Brian Smith to help translate his smaller paintings to the tower.
Assist: Bobb Barrett
Bobb Barrett a fellow Lightning Ridge local has assisted John on many projects before one being a sign painted in 1994 in the same town of Bourke with local artist Brian, a collaboration that many years on would expand to a water tower taking it’s place.
Community Engagement
The community was invited down to have their own hand in the project, literally. Between 600-1000 people from family of Percy, locals community, 4 schools and lucky passers placed their mark on the tower forever to be forever etched in history.
A special thanks to Victor Bartley for his drive in bringing the project to fruition and Dwayne Willoughby the right hand man from council that helped facilitate the project.