Burbury House Art Project 2019
In November 2019, a vibrant 12 x 3m wall painting was completed in Burbury House. The mural was painted by high-profile Hobart artist Jamin in collaboration with an enthusiastic group of boarders from Years 8–12, who met regularly throughout the year to discuss ideas, create a design and create the final art work.
The mural celebrates the diverse backgrounds of current boarders, incorporating the skylines of Hong Kong, mainland China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Tasmanian midlands, east coast and Hobart. The design is superimposed with the Burbury House crest and explores a narrative of ‘strength in unity’.
Head of Boarding, Mr James Bourne co-ordinated the project and said that the result is exciting, and that the experience has been extremely positive for the boys involved. Students Hei Laam (Jonathan) Lau (Year 12), Yejia (Teddy) Liu (Year 12), William Edwards (Year 10), Samuel Fisher (Year 8), Harry Fisher (Year 8), George Hallett (Year 9), Michael Perrone (Year 11) and William Hodgson (Year 10) worked together with Jamin to realise their vision for the space. The mural depicts what the boys wanted to see in their daily living environment, consequently fostering a sense of ownership and belonging to strengthen the Burbury House community.
Hutchins Art Curator, Dr Joy Barber-Milojevic, facilitated and initiated the project and is delighted with the outcome. She commended Jamin, Mr James Bourne, staff and students for the quality of the artwork and commitment to the experience. Dr Barber-Milojevic said that art projects such as the Burbury House mural are a wonderful opportunity for students to acquire highly valued skills such as creative and critical thinking. She observed that the concept could be developed further in the future for other parts of the School, and that the participation, enjoyment and pride of the participants had been fantastic.
The Burbury House project was supported by The Hutchins School and assisted by the Hutchins Art Committee and The Hutchins School Parents’ Association through The Hutchins Foundation. As part of this commitment, the Parents’ Association has also installed modular desks, study nooks, seating and sofas. A selection of artworks produced by boarding students studying Art at school have been framed and hung in the central common room space, resulting in a flexible, engaging, friendly and sociable setting for boarders.
Watch a time lapse of the mural being created on Vimeo or YouTube.
Mr James Bourne (Head of Boarding) and Dr Joy Barber-Milojevic (Art Curator)