Eye-catching mural to transform Glenside landmark

Restoration works on SA Water’s historic Glenside water tower have unlocked a unique chance to transform the eastern suburbs landmark into a public art statement piece and preserve it for decades to come.

The heritage-listed tank that stands over the Greenhill Road and Conyngham Street corner will become a 26-metre blank canvas for renowned public artist Sam Brooks, after final approvals for a nature-inspired mural were secured.

The water tower was built in 1945 and played a key role in water storage and distribution until the mid 1980s after which it was disconnected from the network which was then fed by other sources in the metropolitan network, ensuring continuity of supply.

However, it secured heritage status in 2005 in a nod to its role in early water security and as a landmark on Adelaide’s skyline.

SA Water together with its major framework partner McConnell Dowell Diona joint venture will undertake restoration works to the water tower from March, and the scaffolding that will enable those works also provides the opportunity and canvas for artist Sam, who is excited for the unique challenges the water tower presents.

“From the beginning of this project, I knew we had a special opportunity to create something really meaningful for the residents of Glenside,” Sam said.

“I have always believed that public artwork is an opportunity to show the world what matters most to a group of people and Glenside is full of people who are passionate and motivated to preserve and protect all forms of nature.

“A great example of this is one of the stars of my mural, the small copper butterfly – that has been carefully and expertly regenerated and fostered back to a steady environment created by the planting and recreation of its dwindling host plants.”

The tower will be painted to look like a bark-covered tree trunk from which native birds and butterflies will emerge, along with water droplets giving the lasting impression of heavy rainfall.

The mural has excited residents of Pineview Village who have been consulted on the planned works and eventual artwork measuring about 900 square metres.

Pineview Village’s Resident Liaison Manager Michael Vullings said residents were really looking forward to having the tower transformed into a work of art and were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Sam’s artistic vision for it.

“Our residents recognise the history of the tower and while it stands as a landmark, we are excited to see it transformed into an incredible piece of art,” Michael said.

“We very much look forward to the mural unveiling, and seeing Sam’s passion and enthusiasm come to life.”

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the Glenside mural, like the utility’s other Art on Infrastructure projects, was made possible through the hard work and support of various councils and community groups.

“Sam’s vision for the water tower really showcases the role water plays in South Australia and has beautifully embraced the strong passions and also environmental achievements of the local community,” Kellie said.

“It is delightful to have the heritage listed Glenside water tower join our growing gallery of public art, from water tanks and towers to building walls and pump houses.”

Sam will use airless spray guns for the majority of the colour work, as well as brushes and environmentally-friendly spray paint for the finer details, using a minimum of 450 litres of paint.

“An interesting and challenging part of this project is that the whole painting will be safely done from a 360 degree scaffold, completely covered in a mesh layer,” Sam said.

“This means the painting cannot be seen from a distance, or the main viewpoint, until it is complete.

“Not being able to step back from a canvas this big means I need to keep a mental model in my mind throughout the whole process, not knowing exactly how this piece will look until it is unwrapped.”

Restoration works on the water tower are expected to be completed in May, with the mural painting anticipated to be completed in June.

Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au