Paint New Zealand Beautiful 2015 Launched in Alexandra

Alexandra and Clyde locals, including Mayor Tony Lepper, proudly unveiled three murals by local artist Jon Thom last Sunday as the selected recipient of Paint Your Town Beautiful 2015. The celebrations served as a launch for Paint New Zealand Beautiful Month 2015.

Alexandra and Clyde are known for its cycle trails, gold mining and business district, therefore this mural recreates historic triptych depiction of three photos. The murals back onto the main road through the town and were commissioned for the Paint New Zealand Beautiful campaign. The programme, administered by Keep New Zealand Beautiful and sponsored by Resene and the Ministry of Justice, aims to create nationwide awareness of the need to protect our public spaces, combat graffiti vandalism and celebrates the efforts of communities that are graffiti-free.

The scenes, chosen after consultation with a number of long-time Alexandra Clyde residents, depict icons from the early days of the town. Mural Themes:

‘Homeward B.’ taken by J. H. Ingley, circa 1901, depicting two cyclists near the original road bridge in Alexandra. Alexander Turnbull Library.

‘A group of Dunstan pioneers: from left: David McConnachie, one of the first storekeepers in Alexandra and Clyde; William Theyers (standing) one of the first storekeepers of Alexandra; Jeremiah Drummey, a contractor; Mr Dewar (standing), one of the first miners on the field and Mr Fawcett, one of the old-time miners. - Otago Witness, 20.11.1912. ‘

‘Alexandra Lead Gold Dredge’, Alexandra S. Otago Gold Fields
Archive: Mining (Dredging & Sluicing) K2003,
Type: M&M PPC No. 92

Mayor Lepper was pleased with the way the murals captured the town, commenting on, "the wonderful work completed by KACB in the community with limited resources" and added that "this was yet another successful project, this time depicting the history of early Alexandra."

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