Man on a ladder reborn

THE third instalment of a Ballarat-born business icon’s signature mural has been revealed, with the finishing touches painted last month.

The Haymes Paint ‘man on a ladder’ figure has been added to the business’ Creswick Road store, reimagined by lino printmaker Amanda Western.

She said she took care in presenting her own take on the storied local business’ legacy.

“I wanted to make sure the man on the ladder was a new interpretation. I wanted to honour the original mural but not to try to replicate it, hence why I’ve slightly changed the orientation,” she said.

“I wanted the focal point to be on David [Haymes, late owner, who’s depicted in the work] and really wanted to capture how welcoming and generous everyone said he was.

“He also spoke a lot with his hands so we worked a lot on that side of it. I particularly wanted it to be almost like he’s reaching out to people who went past, to capture his gentle nature.”

The original mural was created in the early 1980s after then-owner Mr Haymes commissioned local signwriter Mason Stevenson to mark the opening of the chain’s Scott Parade and Davies Street store.

The piece, which depicted Stevenson himself, was painted over at the turn of the century, with the artist once again commissioned to replace the work, which this time included an update of his likeness.

Following the store’s 2022 closure, the second mural was subject to vandalism.

Haymes Paint director and David’s son Matt said the new mural is a fitting tribute to the business’ legacy.

“The new mural painted by talented local artist Amanda Western honours the tradition and spirit of the original creation,” he said.

“It serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring charm of Ballarat and its community.”