Originally painted with acrylic and sprayed with a high gloss finish.

Using the top end of inkjet printing papers available today from the leading manufacturers in the field. They are predominantly 300gsm or above in weight, most are 100% cotton base, and all are graded as museum quality. You can expect a print life of between 75-150 years.

Artwork Synopsis:

After my visit to Tunnel Hill Mushroom Farm, I was inspired by the railway tunnel, constructed in 1892 and now repurposed as a commercial mushroom farm. This historical context inspired my painting, which evokes the imagery of steam trains traversing the tunnel, transporting passengers and goods between Bellerive and Sorell from 1892 until 1926. I aimed to capture the early morning light illuminating the tunnel and the billows of steam rising from the locomotive. Additionally, I sought to convey the connection between the mushrooms flourishing in this naturally dark and humid environment and the steam generated by the trains that once operated in the tunnel. 

Dean Smith, the custodian of the historic Tunnel and a commercial mushroom grower, is passionate about showcasing his distinctive mushroom farm to a wider audience. He regularly organises tours and events, inviting members of the public to explore the tunnel and the farm, thereby providing valuable insights into the production process. 

Painted 2nd of Feb 2024