Public art set to transform Walt Drabble Lane

Designed and installed by respected Perth artist and Curtin University lecturer Dipesh ‘Peche’ Prasad, the work pays homage to the local area’s history and native flora.

Mayor Jock Barker said Peche’s signature monochromatic style and botanical themes will make a bold statement in one of the town centre’s key thoroughfares.

“Walt Drabble Lane is in close proximity to Claremont Train Station and enjoys regular foot traffic as people visit speciality stores and move through this popular area of the shopping precinct,” Mayor Barker said.

“Thanks to the generosity of the property owners, this expansive wall will now become a canvas for an artwork that will provide a glimpse into Claremont’s history, as well as celebrating the beauty of its natural assets.”

The artwork will feature a portrait of the Lane’s namesake, Walt D. Drabble, who was a painter, sign writer and ironmonger who established his business in Claremont in 1865. By the 1940s, the business – by then known as W.Drabble Ltd Hardware Merchants – was the largest commercial business in the town, and continued to be family-run until it was taken over in around 1970.

With a footprint covering some two acres, many of the shops on and around Leura Avenue were originally used as storage areas or glazing departments for Dabble’s Bay View Terrace retail store, including what is now Empire Homewares.

“The rich history and tenacity of Walt Drabble’s business is something that we still pride ourselves on in Claremont today. Our wonderful, elegant urban village continues to boast many family-run businesses and the same commitment to excellent customer service,” Mayor Barker said.

“I commend Peche for his sensitivity in recognising and honouring this important piece of our local history through his distinctive style and highly detailed botanicals. This public artwork is a great gift to our community and will create a strong thoroughfare statement for the town centre.”   Back To News Stories