The Rylstone & District Historical Society’s conservation of the 19th Century mural at The Bridgeview Inn is a finalist in the 2014 National Trust Heritage Awards.
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The Rylstone & District Historical Society has commissioned International Conservation Services Pty to conserve the mural.
The work is being undertaken in stages over three years.
According to the National Trust, the mural was “almost certainly” the work of travelling artist Augustus Pierce.
Although Pierce painted widely in NSW, hardly any examples of his work remain.
“The project was carefully planned to ensure best practice conservation methodologies were followed, including documentation and treatment.
The painting is also a rare example of a mural in a rural public building.
The mural depicts a scene of the Rylstone Bridge, with a fisherman and cows in the foreground.
“This project was driven by the local historical society who realised the importance of the mural and its value to the community,” said the award submission.
“Throughout the project the historical society ensured community awareness of the treatment and ran regular talks and ‘show and tell’ sessions.”
“The project was carefully planned to ensure best practice conservation methodologies were followed, including documentation and treatment.
“Vitally important to this was dividing the treatment up into stages that could be executed within the funds available at the time.”
The mural is nominated in the category of “Conservation Interiors & Objects, Community/Individual”.
The awards will be announced on Wednesday, May 14.
This week is Australian Heritage Week, part of the Australian Heritage Festival which runs from April 12 to May 26.
Events will include the Hill End Open Day on May 4, an unique opportunity to view up to 10 historic buildings in the beautiful village of Hill End.
These buildings are not generally open for inspection.
These include the Royal Hall with pioneer photos on display, the grand Craigmoor, miners cottages, churches, artists Jean Bellette’s and Donald Friends homes (now part of the Artist in Residence Program) and La Paloma Pottery.
