Art Deco in the city

Recently I visited the National Gallery of Victoria and saw the Edward Steichen and Art Deco Fashion exhibition. It is a wonderful exhibition and I would definitely recommend seeing it. Although it was a photography and fashion exhibition, it highlighted the connection between creative disciplines and social values. The relationship between architecture and interior design and decorating is an obvious one, but what many don't realise or forget is that other creative disciplines, are both influencing as well as being influenced by each other in a sort of continuous cycle of ideas and creativity; all of which is a reflection of the social atmosphere and sentiment of the time.

A fantastic example of this can be seen in a number of the beaded and sequinned dresses displayed. The patterns and compositions formed from the beads and sequins resembled or were influenced by the sky scraper. The Art Deco period was a proud, self assured period and one of great prosperity and creative output. The sky scraper was a symbol of this, and also a symbol of modernity and new technological advancements.

There are many beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture in Melbourne. My favourite building in Melbourne is the Manchester Unity Building, corner Collins Street and Swanston Street. I was very excited to see it was included in this exhibition. 

Here are a few photos I've taken of Art Deco architecture in Melbourne.

Manchester Unity 1932

Lyric House 1930, 250 Collins Street

Hardy Brothers Building 1933, 338 Collins Street

Beehive Building 1935, 92-94 Elizabeth Street

Love
Mosey x

Newman's Jewellers

Alstons Corner Building (1913), Collins and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

I found another painted sign while walking around the city. When I took the photo I was unsure of the actual date, but the colour pallet and fading of the paint as well as the typesetting of the sign to me indicated it had some age to it. With a little bit of research I uncovered part of the story of the Newman's Jewellers sign.

Hand painted Newman's Jewellers sign, side of Alstons Corner

If you look really closely you can see there are two layers to the Newman's Jewellers sign. The link to this black and white photo shows you the original sign, which proudly reads Newman's Jewellers. Unfortunately I could not find a date for this photo but I assume it was taken not long after the sign was painted. If you look closely at the photo I took you can see the original type in red paint, and then a second layer on top which is indicating that they have relocated. Something like this is so easily missed or forgotten about, which in many ways is sad as Newman's Jewellers was a significant business during it's time.

Newman's Jewellers was founded in 1852. To put this into a historical perspective, this is one year after the beginning of the Victorian Gold Rush. It highlights how the city of Melbourne was built on the proceeds of gold, and that people flocked to the city to set up businesses and take advantage of this new found wealth. Obviously Newman's Jewellers was a solid business and was well regarded and trusted in the community as it was around for a long time. They moved from their location at Elizabeth street, where the sign is, to a location in Collins Street some time in 1930.

If you are interested here is a link to a digitised newspaper article from the 27th of June 1931, which makes reference to the Newman's business and explains it's standing and important place as a jewellery company in Melbourne.

It would be curious to see if any academic research has been done on this sign. Conservation research could uncover interesting things like the type of paint that was used and how many times it was repainted. But isn't it incredible that something of this age which has been exposed to the elements and left unprotected is still with us today?!?!

Love
Mosey x

Progress

The subject of 'progress' is an interesting topic, with everyone having their own opinion.

While studying my degree in archaeology we were frequently presented with the ideas of progress, preservation and conservation, and the precarious balance between these issues. 

In archaeology we are taught the harsh truth that in its nature archaeology is destruction. In order to learn and discover we must pull apart and destroy the site. This of course means that a strict code of ethics must be applied to all archaeological research, which also includes consideration for preservation and/or conservation measures. Here in Melbourne, Heritage Victoria and the National Trust have a say in the outcome of archaeological sights and historically important buildings. But as to be expected there are always many interest groups involved. 

These kinds of ethical and moral questions can be applied to older architecture, and the way in which it affects our changing urban landscape.

It is impossible and unrealistic to keep all our beautiful old buildings. If we were to try, it would hinder progress and new developments in design, building techniques and technology. As time passes our wants and needs, as well as the way we use and relate to spaces changes. Older buildings aren't always practical or usable in their original intent or purpose. Does that in a moral sense make it ok to change the building or to even demolish it? What types of buildings are worthy of keeping in tact? Who decides upon the criteria in which these buildings are subject to?

These types of questions may seem slightly absurd or petty when thinking of an unused 1940s office building, or the run down Federation style home in the street next to yours. However they are important things to consider in a holistic sense. If no one is considering these things, and we all rush out and knock down every old home or change every heritage building to the point where they are no longer recognisable, we will lose all our history and the opportunity to discover and learn about our past. 

I'm not saying we need to go to the extremes of opposing every new development, but just some thought, consideration and care needs to be applied. The two most important questions to ask are, how will this change our urban landscape, and is what will be replacing the original building or structure worthy to be put in its place?

It is these questions of progress, preservation and conservation that I ask myself when I see an old building, particularly when new development is proposed or has begun. Perhaps these are some things you can ponder as you look at the photos on this blog and when you see progress happening in your own local area.

Love

Mosey x

There was much controversy with this Collins Street site in the 1970s, as several historical buildings were demolished to make way for the Nauru House and to give it a Collins Street frontage and address. There is still mixed feelings about the way in which the space in front of the Nauru House has been used, many feeling it is an unattractive use of the space and not worthy of replacing the original buildings.

Right side details showing 'scaring' effect on the brick work as a result of the demolished building.

Details showing the resulting effects on the brickwork on the standing building. If you look closely you can see the outline of the demolished building.

Construction site on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell Streets. You can see modern additions to the older building on the left of the construction site.

Collins Street, Melbourne. You can see construction of a new building happening behind these two strong, solid historical buildings. It will be interesting to see how the skyline will change once construction has finished.

Taken from the Myer Emporium building, of the old Myer building on Lonsdale Street. This building was sold in 2009, and in its original form obviously didn't suit the needs of the new owners. This is a great example of a popular solution for some historical buildings. The facade is kept intact, however what is done with the interior is up to the owners. This photo highlights both the original front and back facade. 

Back view of the front facade of the old Lonsdale Street Myer building. You can see the way the facade is being held up while each interior levels are built up.