UON60: Weaving History - The Makers Behind the Hunter Tapestry

UON60: Who created the exquisite tapestry that hangs in the Great Hall of the University of Newcastle?

In celebration of the University of Newcastle’s 60th anniversary, we highlight the story of the Hunter Tapestry and its creators.

This significant piece of community art was commissioned by the Friends of the University of Newcastle. Funded by the $45,000 in proceeds from the 1987 Book Fair, it was designed by Mary Beeston and meticulously woven by Larry Beeston and Rachel Frecker. The tapestry was formally gifted to the University on August 6, 1988, serving as a lasting symbol of our community’s contributions. (Campus Bulletin – Presentation of Tapestry).

Larry and Mary Beeston were Australian artists, a couple well-known for their work in textiles, specifically this large-scale project called “The Hunter Tapestry.” Mary was a painter and designed the tapestry, while Larry and another artist, Rachel Frecker, were the weavers.

Hunter Tapestry [ Photo Credit: Charles Hardy] Full Image — Hunter Tapestry [Photo Credit: Charles Hardy 2015] Full Image

The Hunter Tapestry at the Great Hall, University of Newcastle, Australia. Photo taken by Charlie Hardy 2015.

The Hunter Tapestry is located in the Great Hall at the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus and is two and a half metres high and eighteen metres long, it is a series of 12 panels celebrating the major events that have made the Hunter Valley what it is today.

Graduation ceremony inside The Great Hall, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1992 — Graduation ceremony inside The Great Hall, the University of Newcastle, Australia – 1992

You can view further items in the collection here
HUNTER TAPESTRY COLLECTION

A7252 (iv) Invitation to the Presentation of Hunter Tapestry, August 6th, 1988

NBN News Item Featuring the Hunter Tapestry

Features of the Tapestry

Measuring 2.5 meters high and 18 meters long, this 12-panel tapestry is a vibrant celebration of the key events that shaped the Hunter Valley. It intricately traces the region’s history, beginning with its pre-history—depicting the volcanic and glacial eras, ocean inundation, and the emergence of early plant and animal life. The narrative then shifts to the human impact, illustrating how soldiers, convicts, and farmers transformed the landscape to build the towns and cities of today. A deep blue river, serving as the symbolic lifeblood of the valley, flows as a continuous thread throughout the entire length of the tapestry.

Mrs Mary and Mr Larry Beeston creating the Hunter Tapestry at the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1988 — Mrs Mary and Mr Larry Beeston creating the Hunter Tapestry at the University of Newcastle, Australia – 1988

Larry Beeston pictured in front of Mary Beeston's tapestry, commissioned to hang in The Great Hall, the University of Newcastle, Australia - 1988 — Larry Beeston pictured in front of tapestry, commissioned to hang in The Great Hall, the University of Newcastle, Australia – 1988

Larry Beeston, Ken Gordon, Anne Von Bertouch and Mary Beeston pictured looking at a tapestry, the University of Newcastle, Australia

Visit of Richard Beeston, son of Mary and Larry to view Hunter Tapestry and Original Cartoons

Richard Beeston, with Lesley Gent of the Friends of the University with the Hunter Tapestry and cartoons, Great Hall, 30 September 2025. — Richard Beeston, with Lesley Gent (representing the Friends of the University) with the Hunter Tapestry and original cartoons, Great Hall, 30 September 2025.

Richard Beeston visited the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall to view the Hunter Tapestry and the original cartoons, that were used by his father, Larry Beeston and Rachel Frecker, to weave the tapestry from the design created by his mother, Mary Beeston. Lesley Gent, representing the Friends of the University, the organisation that commissioned the original work as a Bicentennial gift said:

“On Tuesday 30 September I had the privilege of viewing the BEESTON TAPESTRY and the accompanying cartoons at the Great Hall along with Richard Beeston and members of the University whose interest leans towards preservation and art.

The cartoons (from the Italian Cartone) are the plans, if you will, for the weaver to use as a guide. The University has possession of the cartoons and they are stored in the University Archives Map Room. Each cartoon represents a panel in the tapestry.”

Each cartoon bore the name of either “Larry” or “Rachel” depending upon whose job it was to weave. Three of the cartoons had the fabric samples attached, with a myriad of numbered sections of the tapestry, like a “colour by numbers” for weavers.

Richard’s Wish

For the University to install plaques under each of the panels explaining the symbolic figures and representations and their meaning to the stories of the Hunter Region and University.