Marvelous isn’t it? This is the Garfield and Bath mural. Right here on the corner of Garfield and Bath Streets in Parnell. It’s a vibrant piece isn’t it?
This isn’t just any mural though. It’s a piece of Auckland’s history. A testament to a time when art and architecture collaborated. It was created in 1957. It was part of a bigger project to revitalize the Parnell Baths.
The design is attributed to James Turkington. He was the artist. He worked with Tibor Donner the architect. They created a mosaic of swimmers. Think sleek athletic figures. They’re depicted in a style reminiscent of Matisse’s The Swimming Pool. The mural was made in sections. Each panel is huge. Two men were needed to lift one. The panels are fragile. They’re made of glass chips set in mortar. The mortar cracked. The glass chips fell out. Time and vandalism took their toll. Fortunately the council deemed it worthy of restoration. It’s part of a $4.2 million upgrade for the Parnell Baths. Ray Salisbury carefully removed the panels. He strengthened them. He made them weatherproof. Now they are back to their former glory.
The mural is special. It showcases a rare collaboration. It’s one of the few surviving examples of architects and artists working together on public art in Auckland. Many other murals by Turkington are lost. His work adorned buildings all over Auckland. Many are now gone. This one survived. It’s a reminder of a bygone era. A testament to Auckland’s artistic heritage.
So take a moment. Appreciate this beautiful mural. It’s more than just a picture. It’s a story. It’s a part of Auckland’s soul. A piece of its past preserved for the future. Isn’t that something?