The Sydney Opera House, inaugurated on October 20, 1973, has long been celebrated as the cultural icon of Australia. Integral to its artistic identity are the tapestry curtains Curtain of the Sun and Curtain of the Moon, created by abstract artist John Coburn. These monumental works, accompanied by a series of related maquettes and screenprints, represent Coburn’s masterful integration of bold design, technical precision, and symbolic depth.
In 1969, architect Peter Hall, tasked with completing the Opera House following Jørn Utzon’s departure, commissioned Coburn to create two tapestries as theatre curtains. These were intended for the Opera Theatre (now the Joan Sutherland Theatre) and the Drama Theatre.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Coburn recalled standing in the Opera Theatre, visualising his designs, “I could just see it and I couldn’t wait to get home to put my ideas down on paper. I designed the two curtains that night…”
The journey from initial concept to completed tapestry began with maquettes, detailed gouache studies that served as visual blueprints. Coburn’s maquettes balanced geometric abstraction and vibrant colour fields, ensuring that the final tapestries retained their intended visual impact at monumental scale.
To translate Coburn’s intricate designs into woven form, he collaborated with Pinton Frères in France. Over three years, Coburn and the weavers meticulously recreated the maquettes using Australian wool, ensuring that every detail was truly represented. The final tapestries, Curtain of the Sun and Curtain of the Moon, embody the rhythms of day and night. Curtain of the Sun radiates fiery tones of red, orange, and gold, interspersed with abstract representations of elemental forces. In contrast, Curtain of the Moon conveys serenity with cool blues, purples, and silvers, its design reminiscent of the night’s serenity and mystery.
The sheer scale of these works was monumental. Measuring 8 by 16 meters (Curtain of the Sun) and 5 by 17 metres (Curtain of the Moon), each tapestry required six men to carry them during the installation. Their presence completed the Opera House’s modernist architecture, reflecting the unity of artistic and architectural innovation.
The Opera House’s grand opening in 1973 was a defining moment in Australian cultural history. Presided by Queen Elizabeth II, and attended by dignitaries from around the globe, the event showcased the culmination of years of created and technical effort. Coburn’s tapestries played a significant role in the festivities, captivating audiences with their bold imagery and vibrant colours. These works became emblematic of the Opera House’s commitment to showcasing Australian art.
Coinciding with the Opera House’s grand opening, Coburn produced a series of screenprints in collaboration with his wife, and master print technician, Barbara Coburn. These works, Curtain of the Sun and Curtain of the Moon, were created as limited editions. By distilling the essence of the tapestries into smaller, more accessible formats, Coburn’s screenprints allowed a broader audience to experience the visual and thematic richness of his designs. They retained the bold forms and luminous colours of both the maquettes and tapestries, becoming coveted pieces among collectors.
Despite their prominence during the Opera House’s early years, the tapestries’ role as functional theatre curtains was short-lived. By the 1980s, concerns over their preservation in a live theatre environment led to their removal. However, their legacy endures. Carefully conserved, they are now occasionally displayed, allowing contemporary audiences to experience their grand presence. These curtains not only highlight the tapestries’ artistic significance but also underscore the Opera House’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.
Coburn’s works symbolise the transformative potential of art in public spaces, enhancing an experience for viewers. His maquettes, tapestries and screenprints remain a testament to Coburn’s vision and his ability to create works that resonate across time and space. Curtain of the Sun and Curtain of the Moon solidify Coburn’s reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated abstract artists, ensuring his legacy remains intertwined with that of his iconic structure.
Today, the maquettes are held within the Opera House’s collection, a gift from the estate of Davis Hughes, the former New South Wales Minister for Public Works. The screenprints are seen within multiple public and private collections, continuing to celebrate the importance of John Coburn, and the Opera House’s tapestries.
By Hannah Ryan, Prints & Multiples Specialist
Top Image: John Coburn (1925-2006) Curtain of the Sun, Sydney Opera House 1973, screenprint, ed. 156/200. Sold for $2,500 IBP. © John Coburn/Copyright Agency 2025
February 2025