As you enter the southern gateway of Murrurundi, you’ll be greeted by an eye catching corten steel sign, crafted by local sculptors Fran Wachtel and Charlotte Drake-Brockman.

This playful sculpture depicts sheep leaping over the town name ‘’Murrurundi’’ while being herded by a cattle dog, and its backstory is truly memorable. After a community group had long planned and created this sign, their patience wore thin waiting for local Council approval. So, taking matters into their own hands, they installed it themselves in the dead of night – a clandestine operation that showcased genuine community spirit and pioneering initiative.

Murrurundi Artists Charlotte Drake Brockman and Fran Wachtel have worked collaboratively for decades.
Charlotte Drake Brockman made her way to Australia in 1964 after completing her education at the Farnham School of Art in England. Accompanied by her partner, Viv Carter, a notable jazz drummer, Charlotte left Sydney in pursuit of a different lifestyle.

Upon settling in Murrurundi, Charlotte took up a position distributing the census, where she crossed paths with fellow artist Fran Wachtel, igniting a collaborative partnership that spanned decades. Together, they crafted impressive steel sculptures that adorned the town’s entrance and other locations across the region and curated various exhibitions. Additionally, they managed the former Chicken in the Window gallery, specializing in recycled tin work.