The State Library Lawns have been an exercise in progressive minimalism. When the Library Opened in 1856, there was picket fence, with shrubs and trees for decorative effect. Eventually,  in 1873 the pickets were replaced by wrought iron fencing which remained unitl 1939. Shrubs and trees were removed progressively to expose the open space you see today.

In summer, you can work off your Vitamin D deficiency with shoppers, students and the ghost of Nathan Curnow.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

This poem is a part of The Stately Strut.