Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music mural dear to actor Essie Davis’s heart

THE arts are close to Essie Davis’s heart, but the mural on the side of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music is especially poignant for the actor.

Actor Essie Davis and her father, George Davis, are relieved Mr Davis’s mural is protected on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

THE arts are close to Essie Davis’s heart, but the mural on the side of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music is especially poignant for the actor.

The giant mosaic on Sandy Bay Rd, made up of 150,000 glass tiles, is the work of her father George Davis.

“The mural is incredible in its conception and sophistication,” Ms Davis said.

On learning that the conservatorium site was to be sold, Davis was initially concerned about the fate of the mural, but was relieved to learn it is protected through a permanent listing on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

Now she hopes the entire building, which is not heritage listed, could become an arts hub — specifically a home for the state’s film makers.

“I just really, really hope that whoever buys the building has some great artistic contribution to make to Hobart,” the Tasmanian actor said.

“I hope that it can be used in a creative way and have people in it who are going to look after it and have some pride in their home.

“It would be fantastic to see it become a place for the film industry.”

Ms Davis said many of her peers would want to move to her hometown of Hobart.

“There are lots of people in the industry who would love to be able to live here and make great work here.”

Her father George Davis, 86, said the 1960 ABC Mural took two years to make.

“It was a great test putting it together,” he said.

“But it went up like a dream and is still in perfect condition.” Mr Davis, who is also responsible for the portraits of 10 composers in the restored dome of the Theatre Royal, said it was important the mural was preserved.

“There’s none other left of its size and period in Australia,” he said.

The mural is one of the earliest examples of public art in the state, and was created by Mr Davis after he won a competition to design a mural for the outside of the then ABC Television studios.

He said the artwork was based on the mathematical infinity sign, to reflect the idea that television and broadcasting embraced all the arts.

The art caused a stir when it went up, because of the naked women in some of the panels. The silhouettes depict the Muses in Greek mythology, the inspirational goddesses of literature, science and the arts.

The three central figures are the three Graces, who personify beauty, charm and grace.

The conservatorium site, opposite St David’s Park, has attracted interest from developers since it was placed on the market two weeks ago.

The University of Tasmania is selling the site as it prepares to build a new conservatorium near the Theatre Royal.