Coralie Daniels has written a remarkable story and she is coming to Whitianga to launch her book titled ‘Whitianga’s Mural’ telling that story.
Coralie is the daughter of Carol Daniels (aka) Carol Bryson Taylor a long-time resident who lived at 31 Coghill St, Whitianga. She passed away in 2015.
The book tells the story of the mural Carol painted on the wall of the Coghill Street supermarket. Sadly, it was painted over by the new owners in 2006.
The mural depicted Whitianga’s history, including the timber industry and the early pioneering days of the district. This history was especially important to the late Noel Hewlett, who commissioned the mural. Noel and his wife Nicola owned the supermarket at the time.
“When I was in Whitianga last December, I asked Subway if I could measure the wall,” Coralie told The Informer. “It measured 27.5 metres by 6 metres high. I realised the huge scale of what my mother had taken on when she was 54 years old.”
Coralie had previously published a book in Australia, but work, family and other commitments put her writing aside. Recently retired, she began writing again.
“Having a few photos of the mural in my possession, I thought the story would resonate with people in Whitianga,” she said. “Some of my mother’s old friends were very forthcoming about how they felt about the loss of the mural and how much they connected with the old stories embedded in the art. The mural spoke to everyone in the town.”
The mural told of the Coromandel Peninsula’s kauri forests, the timber industry and the men and women who built the region’s towns and villages. It also showed how kauri was used for waka, ship masts and building materials before most of the Peninsula’s forests disappeared.
Coralie’s research was strengthened when local resident Dorothy Preece told her she had a preliminary sketch of the mural at home. The Mercury Bay Museum also uncovered a complete pencil drawing of the planned work.
Coralie researched the mural’s imagery, her mother’s life and early training, and spoke with local residents. She also included anecdotes from her own time living in Whitianga.
People attending the launch will be able to see a reproduction of the mural in embroidery, which Coralie is currently making.
“The mural project has been a labour of love to honour the artist, provide more background to its creation and remind people that the town’s history is precious and vital to the culture of the region.”
The book launch will be held at Mercury Bay Library from 11.00am to 12 noon on Friday 11 September. A second presentation will take place at the Historical Society AGM at 11.00am on Thursday 17 September at Mercury Bay Club.
People will also be able to see the mural reproduction in embroidery that Coralie is currently making.
“The mural project has been a labour of love and has set me on a path to honour the artist who painted the mural, and leave a work that may go some way to reminding people that the town’s history is precious and vital to enriching the culture of the region.”
Buying this Book
Signed copies cost $25, including postage. To order, email coralie.daniels@gmail.com or phone +61 (0)428 176 450. You can also enquire at Paper Plus as we are working to have the book available there.
Whitianga’s Mural will also be available to borrow from Mercury Bay Library.
