The 'crazy and epic' story of John Coburn's Opera House curtain call l pitthen
was dominated by a glowing gold sun, fringed by abstract shapes depicting earth, fire, air and water. Themeasured 5 metres high by 19 metres wide and was finished in deep blue, purple, green and silver, highlighting a shimmering moon and plant forms.Peter Rae
NSW Public Works Minister Davis Hughes and artist John Coburn in front of the Curtain of the Moon in 1972.But Australian architect Hall had plans to feature his compatriots, and he intended the Coburn works to be Sydney’s version of France's Bayeux Tapestry. At the time, Coburn, an abstract artist, dismissed their views as quite absurd and simply artistic prejudice. But when the curtains were found not to meet NSW fire regulations they were removed and put into storage in 1974 for treatment with chemical flame retardants to make them compliant with state law.A return for the Coburn curtains
“Due to the fire-proofing, there was significant damage to the woollen warp and the cotton weft,” she says. There was also a 1.3-metre tear from a jutting out pipe in the Drama Theatre in the. Repairs have since occurred and Blondin says she has never seen her production team – which coincidentally includes Coburn’s granddaughter Grace White – so excited about a project.
"When I was being shown over the Opera Theatre in 1969, I immediately saw in my mind what I wanted to do," Coburn said at the time, and he came home and sketched his idea straight away. "I could see all the colours of the sun in the design as I stood there. The Drama Theatre posed a bit of a problem, but it seemed to follow to feature the moon.”
In 1969, John Coburn signed a Letter of Agreement with Dray to design the tapestries and receive payment via the agent,” Blondin says. "We believe there were issues between Dray, and Coburn and [architects] Hall, Todd and Littlemore over the next two years while the tapestries were being created. We understand that Coburn was paid a proportion of his fee by Dray but that money was still owed when Dray’s company went into liquidation in 1971. Following this, Dray disappeared.
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.
‘Toughen the F up’: Hoppa’s Folau rantControversial former rugby league star and boxer John Hopoate has come out in support of Israel Folau after the Wallabies fullback’s latest anti-gay Instagram spray.
Read more »
'It's a witch hunt': John Barilaro defends Nat linked to scandalNationals ministers and MPs have raised concerns over the appointment of Jeff McCormack as chief of staff to Water Minister Melinda Pavey.
Read more »
John Dermer celebrates five decades of producing ceramic worksRenowned Australian potter, John Dermer, is celebrated with an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Read more »
Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris tells of huge duress behind win over PenrithIt wasn't just Andrew Fifita's well-publicised hamstring that was worrying John Morris through the week, with the Sharks coach revealing a total of three senior players close to being ruled out in the warm up while two more key men were hurt during the game.
Read more »
Hopoate's outrageous Folau supportJohn Hopoate's shocking response to the Israel Folau saga. 9WWOS
Read more »
Footy star’s wife’s miracle powder ‘rubbish’ says doctorA 'health warrior' wife of an NRL star is using her platform to sell a product that has one medical professional concerned.
Read more »
Assange's father calls on Australia to bring him homeJohn Shipton, the father of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, has called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week.
Read more »
Attacker who strangled refugee with shoelace until he passed out jailedDavid John Pearce will spend at least six years behind bars for choking Abdolhadi Moradi from behind until he passed out next to a busy Adelaide road.
Read more »