Behind The Opera House Curtains


Step into the story of the Sydney Opera House’s legendary stage curtains — woven in Felletin/Aubusson (France) from designs by the celebrated artist John Coburn.


Les rideaux de l’Opera House – tissés à Felletin/Aubusson


Join Stephen Coburn for an illustrated talk that lifts the veil on Aubusson/Felletin, the French tapestry workshops where the Sydney Opera House’s iconic curtains were woven from designs by his father, John Coburn.

He is joined by French artist Chantal Mahoney, who brings an artist’s perspective on the Aubusson tradition and the translation of paintings into tapestry.

Through images, personal memories and a short film, Stephen traces the journey from studio drawings to hand-dyed yarns and the low-warp loom, revealing the remarkable collaboration between artist, dyers and master weavers that brought an Australian landmark to life.

📅 Friday 21 November 2025 
🕖
7:00–9:00 pm
📍
61–63 Scott Street, Newcastle
🎟
Members $40 • Non-members $45
🧀🫒
Refreshments & canapés included

Seats are limited — book now to secure your spot.
👉  FULL BOOKED MERCI ! SEE YOU NEXT TIME FULL BOOKED MERCI ! SEE YOU NEXT TIME


Contact us

contact@afnewcastle.com.au

Please note that there are no office hours. 

Alliance Française de Newcastle

63 Scott Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Completely accessible
Tramway Stop "Newcastle Beach"

Postal
PO Box 505
Jesmond, NSW 2299

We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the Alliance Française de Newcastle stands and remind people that we live and work on Aboriginal land.
We pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging.  ​

Copyright © 2017 Alliance Française Newcastle.  Design by Monsieur Graphic.