Leaving Rochester’s vibrant murals behind, our journey led us to St James, Victoria, a town with a surprising connection to an Australian icon. We came to see the silo art, and what we found was a celebration of local history and entrepreneurial spirit.
The silo art in St James is immediately striking.
The artist, Tim Bowtell, has transformed these massive structures into a canvas that tells the story of George Coles Snr and the origins of the Coles retail empire.
One silo depicts a team of horses, representing the agricultural roots of the area and the type of goods that would have been traded in the early days. Another features a vintage truck, emblazoned with "J I & RL Martin," likely a nod to early transportation methods in the region.
The detail in the artwork is remarkable, making these industrial behemoths into objects of beauty.
The central silos highlight George Coles Snr himself, along with a scene of his "North Eastern Store". He married Elizabeth in 1882 and purchased his first store in the town. He opened a second store, merely four miles away, in Lake Rowan. They traded primarily farming equipment, and the rest, as they say, is history. The portrait captures the man's determination, while the scenes below provide a glimpse into the era. It's quite a fitting tribute to one of Australia's most successful retailers. We even found a North Eastern Store still standing in St James.
While it appeared closed, the history was palpable.
It’s fascinating to see a small town like St James embrace its history in such a grand and artistic way. The silo art is not just a visual spectacle; it's a reminder of the humble beginnings of a retail giant and the enduring spirit of rural Australia. We found the story of Coles to be particularly fascinating, a true example of how a local venture can grow into a national icon. St James is definitely worth a visit for those interested in history and art.
