Big Frog Mural, Murrumbeena

The Big Frog mural in Murrumbeena  by artist Anthony Breslin was installed on the side of the building, located on the corner of Murrumbeena Road and Railway Parade, and officially 'unveiled' on June 5, 2021. It is 50 metres long.  On July 29, 2024 the mural was removed.

The mural is based on The Story of Big Frog  from Anthony's book Brezania, and represents the confluence between Big Frog, a character who follows his dreams from growing up in a little pond to performing all around the world, and Murrumbeena’s Indigenous roots and historically swampy landscape. (1)

Murrumbeena Big Frog Mural, posted by Alpha on Flickr

   https://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/53253137448/

The project was organised  by the Rotary Club of Caulfield to celebrate 100 years of Rotary and was funded by the City of Glen Eira and community donations.

The building has recently changed hands and the mural removed.  The tenant of the building is reported as saying that the new owner wanted the mural removed, however this was disputed by a spokesman for the owner who said  We had no knowledge of the arrangements with council, the artist and with anyone, this came as a big surprise. The owner is happy for the mural to go back to its original position, we are happy to play ball in every possible way. (2)

The empty wall after Big Frog was removed.

Photographer: Gemma Scerri, Moorabbin Kingston Leader, August 5, 2024

This happy mural which brought much joy to the community has still not been re-installed. Murals are popular expressions of public art, but this case does raise the question of what protection they have if they are painted on a  private building and ownership of the building changes hands.

We will update this story when Big Frog has returned.

Footnotes and Sources

(1) Anthony Breslin Mural Launch https://www.murrumbeenavillage.com.au/breslin-mural-launch/

(2)  Devastated locals want answers after Murrumbeena mural ‘Big Frog’ disappears by Gemma Scerri

Moorabbin Kingston Leader,  August 5, 2024 (see here)

The Murrumbeena Art Wall - A Gift of Inspiration  https://www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/stories/the-murrumbeena-art-wall%E2%80%93a-gift-of-inspiration