Over 60 years after witnessing a fatal shooting by notorious killer Leonard Lawson, Sue Dowling still grapples with the trauma. Lawson's legacy, including murals he painted while incarcerated, resurfaces painful memories. A redevelopment plan at the old Grafton jail raised questions about the murals' fate, ultimately leading to their covering with internal walls. This decision has sparked debate, with some advocating for preservation while others, like Dowling, believe they should be destroyed.
More than 60 years after Sue Dowling looked into the eyes of notorious killer and rapist Leonard Lawson , his legacy continues to haunt her.
Sue Dowling says for many years she didn't even tell her husband, Mark, about what had happened in the chapel.Most recently, Heritage NSW and the state government's Northern Regional Planning Panel were asked to consider the future of Lawson's murals as part of an application to redevelop a section of the jail.
"There's only six of us now, and here we are again with another issue about these paintings," she said. In 2008, Lawson's art again made headlines when a Tweed Heads woman put a childhood portrait of herself up for sale for $35,000. This mural painted by an unknown artist in Fremantle prison would have been destroyed without intervention.International Conservation Services chief executive Julian Bickersteth said art had long created an opportunity for rehabilitation for prison inmates, but this was a separate issue to the impact of artistic legacies.
"As a conservator I would never take a dogmatic view one way or the other, I would pull together all the pieces of the argument."
Leonard Lawson Murder Prison Murals Trauma History
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Comic book killer Leonard Lawson's art to be covered up at old Grafton GaolThe New South Wales government says the artwork infamous murderer Leonard Lawson did on the old walls of Grafton Gaol must go before the site becomes part of a new hospital because it could be upsetting for staff.
Read more »
Tim Dowling: was that a ghost – or a small man who knows his tailoring?He certainly knows his suits … In fact he appears to have worked in men’s clothing since the early sixties
Read more »
Red Bull Drops Sergio Perez, Promotes Liam LawsonRed Bull Racing has reportedly decided to part ways with Sergio Perez after the 2024 season, choosing to promote Kiwi driver Liam Lawson to the main team. This leaves Yuki Tsunoda as the only driver confirmed for the 2025 season.
Read more »
Red Bull Drops Perez; Lawson Takes His SeatRed Bull Racing has reportedly decided to replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson for the 2025 Formula One season. The move comes as a surprise as Perez still has a year left on his contract.
Read more »
Sergio Perez Out at Red Bull, Liam Lawson to Replace HimAfter a disappointing season, Sergio Perez has been replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull. Perez struggled to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive world championship.
Read more »
Red Bull F1 sack Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson rumoured to partner Max VerstappenWhile teammate Max Verstappen claimed the drivers' championship, Sergio Perez struggled in the midfield for most of 2024 and placed eighth.
Read more »