The exterior of Maitland Library

Walls that Talk

Project Status

Current

About Walls that Talk

Walls that Talk is a place activation initiative that displays images on the front wall of Maitland Library for the whole community to enjoy and experience.​​​​​​

Current Exhibition

River Stories

For this exhibition, River Stories explores the deep connections that shape the rivers of the Hunter Region. Rising from the same mountain ranges, these waterways meet across fertile plains before flowing towards the Port of Newcastle.

For generations, the rivers have sustained life - providing food, transport and fertile land - while also playing a central role in exploration and the shaping of the region. More than waterways, they are the spiritual heart and lifeblood of the Hunter.

Drawing on original artworks and photographs from the Maitland Library Collection, River Stories invites visitors to discover and share stories inspired by the Hunter River and its confluences with the Paterson and Williams Rivers.

First Look - Lake Patterson, Near Patterson’s Plains, Hunters River, New South Wales, Joseph Lycett 1824
Willows - Photograph of Paterson River George Chambers
Beautiful River - Photograph of Hunter River above Aberglasslyn George Chambers
Milk Run - Photograph of a Milk Boat, Unknown Photographer
An Early Map - Plan of West Maitland, 1858
Unkind River - PS Hunter John Alcott c.1942
River Picnic - Photograph of a boat on the Williams River George Chambers
The Regatta - Photograph W.M. Regatta Jan 27th 1908
River Science - Lower Hunter River Flood Plain Atlas Public Works Department N.S.W

Previous Exhibition

View past exhibition images and information at the Maitland Libraries website.

View Past Walls that Talk Exhibitions
LAST UPDATED 12 JAN 2026