The familiar Bulli landmark is rich in history – and today it's a haven for creativeS
Words Carmen Angerer Images Polly Jane Photography
In 2012, when Joe McGuinness saw the ‘for sale’ sign on the old Bulli Timbermill, he knew exactly what to do with the space. Joe had recently relocated to the Illawarra and was commuting to Paddington where he owned a gallery and studio space.
Running Global Gallery out of a warehouse had given him unique insight into regenerating an old building into a creative hub. With his move to the South Coast, he decided it was time to take his experience and put it to use in his new community.
He immediately recognised the potential of the industrial mill building. “Because of the type of building it is, it opens up the kind of creatives that can work there. We’ve had people work in more industrial ways from welding to surfboard shaping” he said.
Located on the corner of Molloy Street and the Princes Highway, the Timbermill is a familiar landmark for locals. When Joe purchased the Timbermill in 2012 it had been a working timber yard for years. According to Mick Roberts, a Sydney journalist and historian, Austrian-born cabinetmaker Gunter Grafenauer operated Molloy Timber with his wife, Pamela, for 38 years.
Mr Grafenauer bought the timber business in 1975 from the Molloy family, who had opened a steam-driven sawmill called Molloy Brothers on the opposite side of the road in 1906. They later moved into the large, corrugated iron shed that became the Bulli landmark as it is today.”
Unable to compete with the influx of chain hardware stores, Gunter decided to shut up shop and sell the property. Now “the Mill” as it is affectionately known by its creative residents has gone from a timber yard to creative hub.
The site houses a dozen residents, from emerging artists to internationally renowned and includes some small businesses. The top floor has open studios while downstairs visitors are welcomed into the building by a community space that doubles as a gallery. The back of the building has more industrial residents; photographers, a ceramicist, screen printer and a framing business. The site also includes a vintage store, a cactus nursery and a cafe in the landscaped courtyard.
Paul Baker is a visual artist and the longest creative resident at the Mill. He took the plunge nine years ago after working out of a studio in his garden.
“Rebecca Brennan (an artist) was working here at the time and asked if I wanted to get involved. It’s a space where other artists are working and collaborating and after being in my own space for so long, I wanted to be part of that” he said.
Paul works out of one of the upstairs studios and his practice examines industrial landscapes and how they coexist with natural shapes and forms. His love of bold colour brings vibrancy to his studio, which visitors can see when they walk into the upstairs space at the Timbermill.
“I like that because of the space I can see my work from a distance and get some perspective on it. It’s also a great way to get exposure. People come into the Mill and see my studio and artworks, it's a great way to meet people too” he said.
It’s been a challenging two years for the residents. With minimal visitors during lockdowns and a long, wet summer last year, they’re finally looking forward to welcoming the wider creative community and more visitors again. Upstairs now includes an open space called ‘The Molloy’ which is available for artists to hire for classes and visitors are welcome to visit the surrounding studios to watch artists at work or browse artworks on display. There’s also the 29 square metres of gallery space downstairs, with spots available in 2023 for creatives looking to exhibit.
In spring, the cafe reopened its doors, this iteration is run by Phoebe and Lachlan Brooks, the sister-brother duo behind ‘Hello Darling’. Their focus is on serving delicious, affordable food and drinks that are perfect for a casual family outing or a coffee with a friend in the courtyard. “We’re bringing the energy from our Towradgi business to Bulli and are looking forward to sharing the love with a new community.
We love serving coffee and food, but we’re most excited by cultivating new relationships – so come visit and say hi”.
The collaborative aspect of the Timbermill is what sets it apart from other creative spaces. The artisans and small businesses there form a genuine artistic community and make a habit of working together and supporting each other, whether by getting their frames made at the in-house framing business or promoting each other's businesses and shows. Alison Mullholland and her partner Richard Ainsworth run ‘Dreams and Memories’ – the Mill’s own vintage store.
“We’ve been spending 12 hour days hunting down the best vintage finds from regional NSW and Victoria for our customers.” said Alison.
They too felt the lockdowns and are looking forward to the coming holiday season. “We’ve missed our day-trippers. Here there’s no charge to walk into the building and browse the art, and our prices – they’re much better than up in Sydney” she said.
After 10 years, Joe’s vision of turning the old industrial building into a creative hub has been realised and continues to grow.
“The residents are doing some great stuff. We’re hoping that as the year continues that there will be more events and opportunities to host the community with record fairs, art shows and the like.”
Visit the Timbermill at 2/6 Molloy St, Bulli or timbermillstudios.com.au