A 13-metre-long Rolf Harris mural painted for Canberra as part of Australia's bicentenary celebrations could be removed from a school after the disgraced entertainer was convicted of indecently assaulting four girls.
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Erindale College is yet to determine the future of the three-paneled artwork, Triptych 88, which was painted by Harris in 1988 and now graces the entrance to the school’s theatre.
The 13.5-metre-long, 3-metre-high mural was a birthday gift to the city, commissioned by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society and painted by Harris over the three-day Royal Canberra Show.
A second Harris artwork has already been removed from Chapman Primary School and a third painting at Harrison School could also be in the firing line.
An ACT government Education and Training spokesman said the directorate understood an artwork hanging in Chapman Primary School had been removed following consultation with parents.
He said a decision was yet to be made about the other artworks.
“We know of the existence of three Rolf Harris artworks in our public schools,” the spokesman said.
“We understand Chapman Primary School has taken down artwork following consultation with their parent community.
“Other artworks are at Erindale College and Harrison School. The directorate is working with these schools and their school communities regarding these artworks.”
The spokesman did not want to elaborate on discussions about the removal of the artworks.
Numerous Rolf Harris artworks and items have been purged from schools, institutions and galleries across Australia.
This includes the removal of two wobble boards and a leather jacket from Canberra’s National Museum of Australia last November. The items were removed as part of the gallery’s regular changeover program. But the removal coincided with allegations against Harris.
Harris was found guilty on June 30 of sexual offences between 1968 and 1986.
