The Bridgewater Glass Disc Project (2020)

A secret artwork for a strange time

The story began about 25 years ago, when a friend working at a hotel mentioned they were replacing the corridor lighting. Before the old fittings went to landfill, she asked:

“Do you want about a hundred 17cm round glass discs?”

They sat in my shed—untouched—for decades.

During the 2020 COVID lockdown, an idea took shape. The discs became a way to send small messages of care, humour, and human connection. I painted each one, then—under the cover of darkness—fixed them quietly to Stobie poles around our neighbourhood in Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills.

A delightful place to walk became even more delightful.

Locals began noticing them: little circles of colour, joy, and companionship appearing overnight. Ducks, creatures, oddball characters, hopeful words. Every disc found its pole. And eventually, I used them all.