Despite the swathe of destruction and demolition in recent decades, Sydney has some architectural gems: the State Library of NSW, the State Theatre, Hyde Park’s Anzac Memorial and more. 

And adorning these iconic buildings is the exquisite work of three Italian brothers whose ornate and beautiful mosaic, terrazzo, and marble work constitutes up to 90% of Sydney’s early 20th Century marble and terrazzo work. 

Yet despite their monumental contributions – including the decade they spent working on the floor of St Mary’s Cathedral crypt – the legacy of the Melocco Brothers—Peter, Antonio, and Galliano—has remained largely unacknowledged.  

Until now. 

Award-winning author, architectural historian, cultural heritage consultant and human rights advocate Zeny Edwards reveals the artistry behind the inspirational story of these incredible artists, as she talks to Dr Christopher Allen, National Art Critic for The Weekend Australian.