Camberwell laneway off Prospect Hill Rd gets colourful makeover

Camberwell’s laneways have become a walk of art with a recent makeover in the busy shopping precinct.

The laneway between Prospect Hill Rd and Market Place has transformed into an outdoor gallery, with a two-part mural installation by Melbourne artist Stephen Baker (pictured).

As part of a larger laneway revitalisation project by Boorondara Council to deter crime and graffiti, the art has the added effect of inspiring shoppers and traders in the precinct.

Melbourne is a city known for its hip laneway art, and now visitors to Camberwell can get in on the art action.

Baker is renowned for his ‘Pool Parade’ piece on the façade of the Fitzroy Pool, and he has brought inner-city cool to Camberwell with a bright and bold series of murals entitled Eye of the Beholder.

Manager of the Camberwell Traders Association Kerry Daly said the colourful murals were a fantastic addition to the shopping precinct.

“We have many laneways linking the streets of the junction and the car parks to Burke Rd, and the art creates brighter and more attractive spaces. People can enjoy our laneways in between shopping, dining and visiting the area,” she said.

“Each new installation adds character and interest so we welcome more public art throughout the area.”

The two murals, strategically-placed in the busy laneway that leads through to Camberwell’s popular Sunday Market, tell the story of ‘trade’ through images inspired by hieroglyphic artwork.

In his creative ethos behind the project, Baker said he used the murals to reflect on the vibrancy that is the Sunday Market.

“The larger artwork tells the story of trade through stripped back hieroglyphic forms, where the smaller north façade wall captures a snapshot of a Sunday’s trade in a panoramic landscape,” Baker said.

Boroondara mayor Phillip Healey said he was delighted with the exciting initiative, which benefits both the local community and its traders.

“Improvements such as these not only result in more appealing, safer thoroughfares for residents and visitors, but also reduce the incidence of illegal graffiti,” he said.

Baker took two weeks to complete the murals, which were supported with funding of $23,400 from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.

Baker’s murals are the first in a number of key laneway revitalisation projects set to give Camberwell a fresh new vibe.

Other changes to come will include bluestone paving, improved lighting, greenery and custom-made lightboxes showcasing up-and-coming artists.