About

The Sculptures at Scratchley Story

Sculptures at Scratchley is the brainchild of Grahame Wilson from Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Once a surveyor and sailmaker he turned, in more recent years, to the art of sculpting.

The original concept for Sculptures at Scratchley was to create a Sculpture Walk stretching from Wheeler Place up through the Centre of Newcastle’s CBD. Its purpose was to not only bring Art to Newcastle, but to bring people into this exciting City and encourage them to experience its unique vitality.

His original grant submission for event-funding was unfortunately unsuccessful and so he decided, with agreement from his wife, to fund the project himself – investing the couple’s entire life-savings.

A series of serendipitous events lead Grahame to Fort Scratchley and its President Frank Carter. A conversation lasting approximately ten minutes sealed the deal on Sculptures at Scratchley and within five months the entire undertaking was complete. Lock, stock and whale.

Through the generous support of the public who purchased catalogues, merchandise and sculptures in 2023, the initial investment was entirely recouped, allowing for Sculptures at Scratchley to proceed again in 2024.

Charity Status

Sculptures at Scratchley has been granted Charity status, being accepted by ACNC as an entity for the promotion of Arts and History throughout the Community. It is a non-for-profit association run entirely by volunteers.