An exhibition that looks beyond the surface

Created by artists Penny Bovell and Gabby Howlett, the exhibition highlights the artistry and legacy of Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Anna Scolaro, whose handcrafted terrazzo tiles have become a distinctive feature of homes and buildings across Western Australia since the mid-20th century.

The Scolaro family emigrated from Capo d'Orlando in Sicily and established the Universal Tile Factory in Fremantle in 1952.

Giuseppe, a self-taught artisan, transformed simple materials – marble chips, cement and vibrant pigments – into intricate, bespoke designs that adorned spaces across WA.

His work reflects the creativity and labour of a craftsman whose legacy has often been overlooked.

This touring exhibition takes the hunt for surviving terrazzo floors to Perth’s northern suburbs.

Residents are asked to join the search for more of Western Australia's hidden terrazzo heritage by sharing information about any Scolaro tiles they have come across in their homes, businesses or local buildings.

Mayor Linda Aitken said Underneath/Overlooked would resonate strongly with the City's vibrant Italian community and provide gallery visitors with a chance to reflect on the contributions of generations of migrants who helped shape the region.

“With nearly 10,000 residents in our community identifying as having Italian ancestry, this exhibition is a meaningful way to celebrate our diverse heritage and shared cultural values,” she said.

Visitors will find silk reproductions of Scolaro tile patterns, an interactive pattern-making activity, photographs of the tiles in people’s homes and items from the Scolaro family's archives.

Artist Penny Bovell said her connection to the project began unexpectedly.

“I first noticed the tiles on a studio floor. Then, in 2011, I impulsively bought a house with Scolaro tiles in almost every room,” she said.

“That house turned out to be Giuseppe and Anna's first home. I was fascinated by the bold patterns and colours and it sparked my curiosity to learn more.”

Working alongside her daughter, artist Gabby Howlett, Bovell helped transform that curiosity into a collaborative project celebrating an often-overlooked creative legacy.

“We’ve found them under floorboards and covered with glue,” Howlett said.

“Every new discovery adds to this incredible story.”

Underneath/Overlooked is presented at Wanneroo Regional Gallery from 14 October 2026 to 9 January 2027. The tour has been made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, with funding managed by the WA Government and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.