Whether you know him as Der Nachtwächter (The Night Watchman), Der Laternenmann (The Lanternman), the French Castle Gate Keeper (Carrington Hotel Inventory, 1944), or simply the Grumpy Man — one thing is certain: this striking bronze figure has been standing watch over the Carrington’s front foyer for generations.

It’s likely he’s been guarding the hotel since 1913, when Joynton Smith first brought electricity to Katoomba via the Carrington’s own power station. But thanks to local historian Paul Innes from Blue Mountains History Tours, we now know much more about his origins.

The statue was crafted by Franz Bernauer (1861–1916), a Bavarian sculptor and professor at the Municipal Modelling and Sculpture School in Munich. Bernauer’s impressive portfolio ranges from grand municipal works, like the Prince Regent Fountain (Prinzregentenbrunnen) in Augsburg, to smaller statuettes — including versions of Der Nachtwächter, highly sought after in art circles then and now.

In 2010, Paul unearthed an exciting discovery: a near-identical twin to our watchman, standing guard in Hamburg. He even believed a third twin was still out there waiting to be found.

Imagine our surprise, then, when this long-lost twin popped up in the most unexpected place – a barbershop window! While visiting Groom Wentworth Falls, we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw the familiar bronze figure staring back at us. The shop’s owner, Chris, recounted how he and a friend had spotted the statue (sadly missing its lamp) in a Sydney antiques dealer’s window. Chris, unable to purchase it himself, convinced his friend to buy it – only to buy it back years later.

The Blue Mountains has long been a haven for German expats, and it feels fitting that these “German brothers” have found a home here among the misty peaks and timeless charm of Katoomba.

Next time you visit the Carrington, give our watchman a nod — after all, he’s been keeping an eye on things for well over a century.