Concerning the wading birds of the Warrnambool wetlands was designed by John Wolseley in 2012 and commissioned for the Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria.

Based on a watercolour by Wolseley, Concerning the wading birds of the Warrnambool wetlands captures the artist’s ongoing sensitivity to regional natural environments. This work grew out of Wolseley’s personal exploration of the wetlands and lakes of south-west Victoria. The original watercolour includes evocative and beautifully-rendered details of native flora and fauna, with a focus on representing birds from the region, particularly shore birds of the Warrnambool coast.

The mysterious and inviting realm that Wolseley has created will serve as a place for contemplation and escape for those who may be dealing with difficult health situations, while the beauty and energy of the work will engage with the broad cross-section of the community who pass through the hospital’s doors.

The project presented many challenges—for example, there was the difficulty of capturing the delicate watercolour marks without making the tapestry appear overly complicated. The artist and weavers also had to make crucial decisions about the colour palette, deciding to use colours in the tapestry that were slightly stronger and more intense than in the watercolour painting.

This tapestry was completed was generously supported by the Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation through the Tapestry Foundation of Australia.

John Wolseley is represented by Australian Galleries in Melbourne and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in Sydney.