Between 1978 and 1991 Betty Fraser produced a series of large wool murals, mainly as commissions. They are located in public buildings in Dunedin, Mosgiel and Balclutha. All of these murals were constructed with a domestic knitting machine and feature detailed surface hand embroidery.

Taniwha Mural 1981

The Taniwha mural hangs in the Mosgiel Civic Centre and was the biggest project completed by Betty Fraser. The final work is 5.5m long and 2m high.

Tuhawaiki 1983

This work was completed in 1983 and was commissioned for the Clutha County Council by its engineering consultants to mark the opening of a new building.

It measures 3m x 2m and depicts a Maori legend about the origins of Balclutha. The water in the foreground is the Clutha River.

Tautuku Legend 1988

Created in 1988 for the Balclutha Social Welfare Office, this mural is 2m x 1.5m. The central figure is the Moko (tattoo) of Tuhawaiki who was the paramount Maori chief of the South Island.

Louisa and Teresa 1989

Also located at the Balcluth Social Welfare Office, this mural is a response to the deaths of two young girls murdered in separate incidents at this time. It measures 3.4m x .9m.

The Chambered Nautilus 1991

Completed in 1991, and measuring 3m x 2m, this mural is in the foyer of a new building at Otago Girls High School in Dunedin. Featuring the nautilus shell as a motif, the mural is inspired by the school song, The Chambered Nautilus.

"I used the shape several times in the mural to emphasise the growth and development achieved through education"