Hamish Hall has got it going on. When you first meet Hall, he seems reserved. But he’s anything but. He’s just taking it all in, and he doesn’t miss a detail. Hall is a Tasmanian artist and educator, renowned for his expressive portraiture. He evokes Indiana Jones, a smartly dressed ‘professor’ by day, but he’s also an adventurer and leader in his field. He’s swum the English Channel and drawn the attention of many an award program. Bringing an alluring mix of pizzazz and meaning to his work, he is the perfect artist to bring the walls of the revitalised Jane College to life.
When students pull up in the beautiful historic grounds of Jane College, they are now met at the entrance by an enormous red wall with the words “You’re Home”. Jane is a home away from home for the students who reside here while they gain the knowledge for their future careers. But it’s also more than that. Jane is a vibrant community, a melting pot of people and cultures—a place to be inspired and supported.
“My aim,” says Hall, “was to embed the history, environment, and community spirit of Jane into its everyday spaces.”
“Using a mix of painted murals, digitally printed panels and vinyl wraps, I created site-specific pieces with a cohesive visual language.
“Intriguing native moths hover in pools of light at the end of corridors, while the odd Tassie devil pops up in the Horton common room. I wanted these works to feel uniquely Tasmanian,” he explains.
Hall designed the artwork and murals to reflect the sense of home and belonging that residents value so deeply. Speaking with the students, he uncovered the special meaning that the Midlands Highway holds as a connection to and from the college. This has been reflected in an etching-style landscape that now hangs above “the high table” in the dining hall.
The most notable piece is Hall’s portrait of Enid Campbell. Hanging on the wall of the great dining hall, the heart and soul of Jane, her portrait, a triptych of three large panels, reminds students of the great minds and personalities that have walked the halls before them.
The first resident of Jane in 1950, Enid, went on to achieve incredible success as a leading figure of law in Australia, charting many firsts and inspiring so many.
Jane Principal, Joanna Rosewell, says, "Hamish's work adds something special to our College. We love the thinking about the student's interests and experiences that sit behind each piece. I've had so many conversations with students about the art, Enid Campbell is fast becoming a College icon!"
Now in its 75th Year, Jane College has been revitalised. A new brand, refreshed interiors and a renewed confidence that says “bring on the next 75 years”.
Hall was recruited to the project by Meg Clarke from Home plus Style, the team overseeing the interior styling of Jane. They needed an artist who could streamline the process, given the short timeline, keep costs sensible, and balance the creative with the practical.
“Hamish makes art decisions easy, fun, and meaningful. Whether you’re transforming a space, commissioning a mural, or just need a fresh set of eyes, he can guide you from the first spark of an idea right through to the final hanging; that’s why we knew he’d be perfect for Jane,” says Meg.
Years as an artist, teacher, and project wrangler mean Hall knows how to make a piece feel right, tell a story, and find its perfect place.