Parnell Rose Mural

Forty-five years. That’s how long the Parnell Baths mural has graced Auckland’s landscape. Swimmers athletic and trim. They reflect Aucklanders’ love of outdoor exercise. But time and weather have taken their toll. The mural a mosaic of colored glass chips. Many chips fell from their mortar bed. Paint peeled. Moss and grime gathered. Vandals struck leaving their mark. Yet this vibrant piece of Auckland’s history is worthy of rescue. The Parnell Baths mural is a testament to collaboration. Artist James Turkington designed it in 1957. Tibor Donner the city council’s senior architect helped. They may have been inspired by Henri Matisse’s The Swimming Pool. The mural was created in 52 panels. Each panel is delicate despite its size. It took two men to lift each one during restoration. The restoration was painstaking. A compressed board was glued to the backs of the panels. This made them stronger and weatherproof. The Parnell Baths mural is a rare survivor. Many murals were removed or destroyed. This mural represents a unique collaboration between architects and artists. A collaboration uncommon in Auckland public buildings. Turkington sadly passed away in 1979. Many of his other significant works are lost. Donner a Hungarian immigrant spent most of his career with the Auckland City Council. He retired in 1967. The Parnell Baths mural is a window into the past. It reflects Auckland’s history and the city’s enduring love for its public spaces. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our artistic heritage. So let’s appreciate this stunning piece of art. A piece of art that has endured the test of time and stands as a symbol of Auckland’s vibrant past.