Annette Blair installation at War Memorial

Quiet Skies, 2025

permanently displayed
showing at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra

Suspended above the new spiral stairs on the eastern and western sides of the Australian War Memorial concourse are a pair of shimmering glass installations designed and fabricated by internationally renowned artist Annette Blair at Canberra Glassworks.

Canberra Glassworks is proud to have facilitated the fabrication of Quiet Skies in its world-class studio. This commission reaffirms Canberra’s reputation as a centre for excellence in contemporary glassmaking. The new Main Entrance at the Australian War Memorial was official opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in early February.

“The Australian War Memorial is one of our most precious national treasures… The new Main Entrance opens the Memorial’s heart even wider to all Australia.”
– Prime Minister Albanese

Blair, an acclaimed glass artist based in Canberra, was commissioned to create Quiet Skies, as the sun rises and Quiet Skies, as the sun sets, two glass sculptural installations suspended above the Memorial’s new spiral stairwells. Each artwork is composed of approximately 900 handcrafted glass eucalypt leaves, evoking the Australian landscape and the enduring memory of those who have served.

“It is a universal symbol of hope and renewal, endings and beginnings, and remembering the sacrifices made for a new day. Using this as a starting point, I incorporated elements from my previous works by utilising the falling leaf form. The leaves reference passing time, the changing of seasons, renewal, remembrance, and growth.”
– Annette Blair, artist

Blair collaborated with an exceptional team, including project management by Jacqueline Knight supported by Tom Rowney, Dylan McCracken and Griffyn McGarry-Purdy from Canberra Glassworks. The project also brought together the talents of Katie-Ann Houghton, Rob Schwartz, Meg Wilkinson, Edwina Leeper, Olivia Gates, Louis Grant, Rose-Mary Faulkner, Bailey Donavan, Nadina Geary, Broni Sargeson, Isobel Waters, Spike Deane, Mel Douglas, and installers Amos Enders-Moje and Ethan Husband.

“Recently, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a special project come together. The orientation of the installation in the east and west staircases of the new entrance —naturally aligns with the rising and setting sun. For Annette, the setting sun represents the weight of loss and remembrance. In contrast, the rising sun represents hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.”
– Aimee Frodsham, Artistic Director, Canberra Glassworks

Blair, whose practice spans over 20 years, is a leading figure in Australian glassmaking. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship and evocative use of colour, she has created significant works both independently and in collaboration with other artists. This commission marks a major milestone in her career, placing her work at the heart of one of Australia’s most significant cultural institutions.

“I worked with the teams at the Australian War Memorial and Canberra Glassworks to produce this commissioned work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had their full support, as well as the generous and skilled community of local glass artists who assisted me in bringing this vision to life. I’m honoured to have my work on permanent display at the Australian War Memorial. Taking my children to see it for the first time was a very proud moment.”

– Annette Blair, artist