Urban Art

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Good to see a lazy Sunday morning has the ability to throw up the odd surprise. Not expecting much whilst wandering through Windsor recently, a detour off Chapel Street led to a laneway with no name. Turns out said laneway is an extension of Bowling Green Street; seemingly unassuming, quiet and empty from the outset.
Well should you have the time or inclination, starting at Union Street walk northward up Bowling Green Street toward Green Street. What starts off as a trickle of urban art quickly snowballs to an incredible finale. Alternatively you can just enjoy the following...
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silvermb

Bowling for Windsor

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Following <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/272-queen-street-in-depth" target="_blank">Ryan's article</a> this morning on 272 Queen St, I thought it best to highlight an unknown aspect of the site itself.

Mundane in appearance, the existing building holds a generally unknown little gem by way of a private lane off Little Lonsdale Street. Endorsed by Melbourne City Council, the lane is adorned with some impressive street art.

Once 272 Queen St commences these artworks will be lost and hopefully another laneway will be chosen to take its place. Ultimately you win some, you lose some.
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272 Queen Street collateral damage

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As Dimmeys Richmond starts its metamorphosis into Richmond Icon apartments,  the exemplary Hayden Dewar mural adorning the building has been boarded up for a considerable amount of time during construction. For those not aware of this engaging piece of art, <a href="http://www.haydendewar.com/portfolio/the-dimmeys-mural/" target="_blank">Hayden Dewar's webpage</a> carries this description...
"Commissioned for Dimmeys 150th anniversary and painted on the sidewall of the Richmond Dimmeys store
A 50 metre long mural depicting treasured &amp; memorable Australian people, places and events occurring throughout Dimmeys trading. Hayden was responsible for all aspects of the mural. This included research, design, and execution of the artwork.
The Dimmeys Mural is a link to the past for the many locals and visitors who enjoy the trip down memory lane that it sparks for them. With its large scope of subject matter, scale and level of detail, it is an unprecedented piece of artwork in Australia."
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_0.jpg" typeof="Image"></a>
Initially slated for removal the mural was later incorporated into the current redevelopment. Given the Dimmeys mural may remain under its protective hoarding for the next year or so, Urban.com.au thought it to be an opportune time to take a closer look at the mural, starting from Railway Place and moving north toward Swan St
Section one below captures Dimmeys birth. As Victoria is gripped by gold rush fever and the subsequent Eureka Rebellion, Maryborough business Dimelow &amp; Gaylard purchases an existing Swan Street retail business; The nickname Dimmeys would eventually stick. During this period Burke &amp; Wills also set out on their ill-fated exploration.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6153.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 1"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6153.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 1" typeof="Image"></a>
Below ushers in the era of Ned Kelly while Melbourne city's first electrified tram trip occurs during 1906. Bottom left depicts what may be the progression of Melbourne's water supply.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6154.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 2"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6154.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 2" typeof="Image"></a>
Abbotsford sees the arrival of Audrey, the Society of Melbourne Brewers (CUB) arrived in 1903, now Saint Mary McKillop comes to prominence and Melburnians of the time witness Flinders Street Station's completion in the early 1900's. The Australian flag was chosen during 1901 with the current flag specifications proclaimed some 30 odd years later. Meanwhile Dimmeys Swan Street store was lost to fire, only to see a higher quality building constructed thereafter.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6155_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6155_0.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 3" typeof="Image"></a>
Section four sees Qantas take flight whilst Dimmeys rebirth nears completion. The ANZAC spirit is born, embodied by John Simpson Kirkpatrick, his donkey and the Victoria Cross - awarded for valour. Weet-bix and Vegemite are born while Roy Cazaly thrills the crowds - later to be immortalised by a smash hit, Up There Cazaly. The Magic Pudding, Ginger Megs and Gumnut babies are also present.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6156.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 4"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6156.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 4" typeof="Image"></a>
Squizzie Taylor gains notoriety, The Don punches through cover, Captain Blood, Phar Lap, Blinky Bill and Robert Menzies feature during the early 1930's. What we believe to be Eroll Flynn and Dame Joan Sutherland are also present. World War 2 is also noted, assuming Papua New Guinea is the setting.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6157.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 5"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6157.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 5" typeof="Image"></a>
Sidney Nolan's 'The Trial' bottom left, FX Holden takes a prominent position, Melbourne's 1956 Olympics is recognised and Slim Dusty does what he did so well. Australia is welcomed to the television age, Moomba gathers momentum while Herb Elliot is recognised as one of the world's great middle distance runners. Finally who would have thought a washing line and lawnmower would be held in such high regard? Australian ingenuity at its best.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6158.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 6"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6158.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 6" typeof="Image"></a>
Section seven features some Melbourne greats - Graeme Kennedy, Luna Park, Shrine of Remembrance, the ESKY, W Class trams, Stirling Moss, HQ Holden ute; quite the line-up! EJ and Polly Farmer if full flight, Rolf in less dubious times and the Nylex clock takes its place. Richmond Bitter long gone. Interesting Brunswick's Thunder Road Brewery is trying to revive lost Victorian beer brands such as Bitter Ale - all that's old is new again.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6159.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 7"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6159.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 7" typeof="Image"></a>
The 70's and 80's in focus. Kevin Bartlett runs on by and Lionel Rose keeps on punching while Yvonne Goolagong makes history...Gough gets the chop, Ash Wednesday scars many while Australia's burgeoning rock scene explodes. Countdown and Molly Meldrum lead the way with ACDC, Skyhooks and Australian Crawl in support. Bottom right is artist Russel Drysdale's 'The Rabbiters.'
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6160.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 8"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6160.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 8" typeof="Image"></a>
Dimmeys front man 'Dipper' in action with Norman Gunston, Peter Brock, AB, Peter Garrett, the effervescent Sir Les Patterson, Joan Kirner and others in company. Nick Cave and Michael Hutchence look arty and serious simultaneously while Nicky Winmar takes a stance, and who could forget YABLETTTT! top right. Former Major of Collingwood and Member for Parliament Theodore Sidiropoulos appears to the right.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6161.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 9"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6161.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 9" typeof="Image"></a>
Thespians feature heavily early in the new millennium, such as Kate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Heath Ledger portraying Ned Kelly. Sporting moments including Cathy Freeman lighting the cauldron during the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Makybe Diva. Cow up a tree, Kath &amp; Kim plus albums such as Cat Empire make their mark, meanwhile Federation Square and the mighty Eureka Tower find their place.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6162.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 10"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6162.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 10" typeof="Image"></a>
And rounding out proceedings, a close up depicting an artist and his untouched canvas of sorts, with Swan st to the rear.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6163.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 11"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6163.jpg" title="Dimmeys Mural - part 11" typeof="Image"></a>
So there you have it, Melbourne's history, in paint and over 50 incredible metres. One wonders where and when the next instalment of Melbourne's story will appear?
By no means a comprehensive overview, feel free to point out the many we've missed.
Enjoy
 
 
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Melbourne's history, in paint and over 50 incredible metres

Anstey Station - a few short years ago I would have required a map and compass to find it, yet now the surrounding area could be considered the crux of all that is good and bad with higher density development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>. By way of Anstey Square (completed 2010) and subsequent apartment developments, I&#39;ve wandered through with camera many times over to discover there was far more to this area than meets the eye.

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Anstey carries a certain character and urban grit that&nbsp;cannot be easily replicated elsewhere in Melbourne. Granted i&#39;ve focused primarily on the local street art through the slide show below, but the area offers much more on a basic level. The bustle of <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> market, local coffee roasting houses, a multitude of Middle Eastern bakeries and stalwarts such the the Royal Nut Company provide a feast for the senses. The people are no less interesting; ageing inhabitants of European or Middle Eastern descent mixed with the contemporary Brunswick hipster type and all that lies between. Streets and laneways adorned with a variety of art also adds to the eclectic feel of the area.

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<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5320.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5320.jpg?itok=J-lSjKiO" typeof="Image" /></a>

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Yet it&#39;s quite conceivable that all this could be lost soon enough as the area falls under the ever expanding gaze of apartment developers. I would be the first to argue that a light industrial inner city area such as this is ripe for higher density apartment living. Sandwiched between Sydney Road and the Upfield rail line in an already highly desirable area to live, Anstey is dominated by single level factories and presents a golden opportunity to implement a sustainable higher density outcome while still being sympathetic to the areas urban character.

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And therein lies the problem. Enjoy the images below as many will seemingly be lost soon enough. In next weeks sequel to Anstey in colour, Urban.com.au will look at the new developments sweeping through the area and the resultant change in urban character (generally for the worse), plus what could be implemented to achieve a greater urban outcome.

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