Mount Lawley mural the first of many

Dianella artist Dipesh “Peche” Prasad has added the final touches to an 8-metre-long artwork in Mount Lawley’s Beaucott Lane, the first in a series of murals planned for the town centre.

Public art, including iconic murals, is a key action within the Mount Lawley Streetscape Study, which will see the town centre reinvigorated in coming years.

Deputy Mayor Bianca Sandri said the installations would add to the high cultural value of the Mount Lawley town centre.

“Mount Lawley has always been a very special mix of creativity and character and we wanted to build on that with something unique and colourful. These artworks will bring life to the town centre, while complementing heritage icons like the Astor Theatre.”

Artist Peche said he always checks out the space and context of the wall before sketching his designs.

“Each wall presents its own challenges - space, surface texture, traffic and height. The mural has to work with its surroundings and complement the environment it's in,” Peche said.

“With such beautiful surroundings, this wall is a tribute to Mount Lawley area and the amazing birds and plants that inhabit it.”

The City of Stirling has been working with street art project coordinator Will Clark from Blank Walls to identify potential walls and artists for the project.

Residents Jan and Sebastian Urbani responded to a call by the City and agreed to having their rear laneway painted with Peche’s pink and grey galah design.

Mrs Urbani said the mural far exceeded their expectations. “We love the detail – the eye is just amazing. It actually looks three dimensional,” she said.

“It’s certainly enhanced our little laneway. I think it will bring vibrancy to the neighbourhood and I think it will inspire other residents in Mount Lawley to come forward.”

Deputy Mayor Sandri encouraged other property owners to get in touch.

“We’re looking for walls in the town centre from Walcott Street to Queens Crescent, along Beaucott and Astor Lanes. This is a chance to be part of something really special, which supports the creative vibe that flows through Mount Lawley.”

The Mount Lawley Streetscape Study will see the City invest in various public realm improvements that aim to enhance the town centre, while attracting foot traffic and enticing new businesses.

The City has already planted 11 new spotted gum trees along the median strip of Beaufort Street between Walcott Street and Queen’s Crescent, three ornamental pears in the verge of Beaufort Street, five plane trees in the verge of Walcott Street and two new trees at the entrance of the carpark at 680 Beaufort Street which improve the streetscape.

With the Water Corporation’s water mains pipe replacement works now delayed until 2022, upgrades to Beaucott and Astor Lanes as well as new street furniture throughout the town centre will also be completed in 2021.

If you’d like your wall-space considered for the mural project, please indicate your interest by email to the City of Stirling at art@stirling.wa.gov.au

Photo: Lawley Ward Councillor Joe Ferrante with homeowners Sebastian and Jan Urbani, Councillor Suzanne Migdale and artist Peche.

Assets

Photo 1 - Peche with mural
Photo 2 - Mural (wide)
Photo 3 - Mural (framed)
Photo 4 - Mural portrait
Photo 5 - Residents Sebastian and Jan Urbani
Photo 6 - Mural close up