Clara Street, Ada Street and Lane, Ethel Street, Erskineville on Sunday, 19 April 2020
This is a tangle of narrow streets all weaving into each other. That’s what it feels like when I walk here. But looking at the map, they form almost a square with Clara Street dividing it in the middle. Mostly small terraces, a couple of warehouse-style buildings and one grey-painted block of flats, which was obviously a factory as the chimney is still there. Maybe the cottages were originally created for the workers of that factory.
First, I walk along Clara Street and discover the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School. I researched it a couple of years ago to do some clay sculpting courses. But never made it to even look at the place. Tom Bass was a friend of the still-life painters Fred Jessup and Margaret Olley.
From there I turn left into Ada Lane, and after following it around, I suddenly am in Ethel Street. There is a playground in the middle, cordoned off because of 'virus contamination danger'. On one side is a multi-coloured bench, free to use, and a crucified teddy bear nailed to a tree. Ada Lane has two parts, continuing beyond the playground.
Further along, I see small children playing. They may be about 7 or 8 years old, three boys and one girl. She has a unicorn hood on her head. They are really engaged in their play. When I come closer, I stop to photograph an interesting corner house. I am a bit wary not to disturb the kids, but they don’t even seem to see me. By now their magic play has gone into a more realistic realm as I hear the girl saying: “No, you can’t have that chair because my dad found it.”
This area creates the idea in me that the people who live here all know each other and that they are somehow environmentally aware, alternative and friendly with their neighbours.
