Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
The Terminus Hotel, corner of John and Harris St, Pyrmont is being renovated after over 20 years of not so benign neglect as part of the Wakil's collection of derelict inner city buildings.
The former poster child of urban decay has fallen to the inexorable tide of gentrification. It won't be totally obliterated as so many unfortunate heritage icons all over Sydney have been.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
Enquiries
Hopefully as much as possible of its quirky heritage will be retained, but at this stage it is difficult to predict the outcome, as so much depends on the personal taste of the developers, architects and designers.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
The cantilevered rusty steel awning has just been stripped down to a skeletal framework. It matches the bare branches of the tree on the corner of John and Harris St opposite the old bakery.
I don't know if the awning will be removed or restored.
Usually I paint the Terminus from the other side of Harris St, to pair it with its rival pub, the Pyrmont Point (aka 'the Royal Pacific). However, one of its most distinctive characteristics, the distinctive parapet skyline, a key feature of Federation Free Style architecture is best displayed from the John st vantage point.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
Some tendrils of the Virginia creeper that once covered most of its facade still cling to the top. It was possibly the only thing binding all the bricks together.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
Enquiries
The creeper is usually (and wrongly) known as 'ivy', however ivy doesn't change to russet tones in autumn, or drop its leaves for winter.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
The same creeper also covers much of the facade of the CSR manager's house further south down Harris St. An entire courtyard in the CSR refinery used to resemble a jungle.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
Long before 'green walls' became fashionable decor, the south facade of the building now rather bizarrely known as the 'Rum Store' was entirely covered in Virginia creeper from floor to ceiling.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
I've always wondered whether the Virginia creeper so prevalent in the Pyrmont of the last part of the 20th century had been planted by the same shade craving person.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
I'm glad that I took the opportunity to capture this moment. This is possibly the last time the Terminus will be in anything resembling its original state or composed of its original materials.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
It won't be very long before the Terminus is boarded up to undergo the sort of serious structural alterations that will be required for its reinvention.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel',
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
It's unknown at this stage whether the famous ghost sign on Harris St will be retained, as it is painted on the original brickwork.
Starting a new canvas of the 'Terminus Hotel'
2017 oil on canvas 56 x 76cm
Available
For more information about the Terminus and Pyrmont Point Hotels
