Long’s Lane Window Activations – Miniature Worlds of History and Festivity
This December, Long’s Lane sprinkles a little extra festive magic through its historic laneways and hidden corners for visitors and passersby to discover and delight in.
From Saturday 14 December, local maker Bianca Tzatzagos of Sydney studio, The Beige Larder, will reveal miniaturised window scenes celebrating the spirit of community and urban domesticity woven throughout the history of Long’s Lane and The Rocks.
The four small-scale installations will remain on display until the end of January 2025, making them a perfect addition to your summer explorations of Sydney.
The Vision Behind the Windows
Bianca Tzatzagos is a Sydney maker, storyteller, collector and enthusiast of heritage architecture, bygone interiors and all things miniature. She has combined all these passions into these four intricate, doll-scaled vignettes that capture the nostalgia of bygone city life and the domestic soul of Long’s Lane and The Rocks.
“I really love these historic laneway terraces and how remarkably unchanged they have remained while the city and harbourfront has rapidly evolved around them,” says Bianca. “I wanted to pay tribute to the living history and charm of Long’s Lane’s architecture. Just like the terraces themselves, these miniature scenes aren’t stuck in the past, they are still completely relevant and captivating to us in contemporary life, and I think the value of legacy and identity is a big part of that.”
Each window will showcase a unique interior scene that reflects the layered history of The Rocks while celebrating its enduring vibrancy and appeal.
The Installations
- “Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker” at The Old Butcher’s Shop: a tribute to the area’s original shopkeepers, Long’s Lane’s historic merchants and the spirit of local enterprise.
- “Living Legacy” at 130 Cumberland Street: a contemplation of living among history, and the timeless custodianship of heritage homes.
- “Kids Come Back to Play” at 134 Cumberland Street: a nod to the many children who once occupied Long’s Lane and the nostalgic associations of childhood bedrooms.
- “DomestiCITY” at 15 Carahers Lane: celebrating the many immigrant families who made their home in The Rocks, shared meals and built traditions often while missing loved ones overseas.
Experience the Magic of The Rocks
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Christmas in The Rocks, these window installations invite visitors to step into the past while celebrating the present. Whether you’re a local or visiting Sydney for the holidays, the Long’s Lane window activations promise to inspire and delight.
Plan Your Visit
The Long’s Lane window activations will be on display from Saturday 14 December 2024, through the end of January 2025. Don’t miss this enchanting peek into domestic life past and present, recreated in miniature.
Rediscover history, connect with community, and celebrate the season at Long’s Lane – where every window tells a story.
