Darlington Public School Archival Recording
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Recording
Photographic and Oral Archival Recording
School Infrastructure NSW
Darlington, NSW
Gadigal Country
GML was commissioned by School Infrastructure NSW to undertake a photographic and oral recording of art works within Darlington Public School.
Darlington Public School is renowned for its connection with the local Aboriginal community, playing a part in public education for 46 years. The school has uniquely designed and adapted spaces with Aboriginal art, cultural practice, song and language. The school’s art collection comprises over 100 Aboriginal objects and artwork that have been gifted, produced or manufactured in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders, parents, teachers and students.
These elements were recorded as part of the school’s redevelopment. GML Heritage undertook a photographic and oral recording of art works within the school, commissioned by Mace Australia Pty Ltd, on behalf of School Infrastructure New South Wales (SINSW) and the Department of Education and Training (DET).
The project included high resolution photographic records of 10 murals in the archival record, taken by architectural photographer Michael Nicholson, noting the location of each artwork within the extant Darlington Public School. Some of these images are anticipated to be incorporated in the new school design. Oral recordings with artists and significant members of the school community helped us to further understand the social importance of the artworks to the school, students and school community.
Hero image: Aunty Norma Mural
The school hall featuring six Jarjums Rugs designed by students (Bucca, Home, Mother Earth Raging Sands, Quindalup, Spiritual animal and Traditional Island Hunting)
Wall mural painted by Peter Oxley. Photo: Michael Nicholson
Photo: Michael Nicholson
Photo: Michael Nicholson
Hear GML Principal and Archaeologist Dr Tim Owen talk about the project.
