Friday, September 23, 2011

Centrepoint Launceston - A Modernist Laneway Wall to where?

This Modernist facade is a stunning example of decorative Post War design. Nothing says 20th Century design like tiles, and just take a look at them they are that quintessential green colour that has 1960/70s stamped all over it! Then the typeface of the words "centrepoint" So clear and functional, don't make them like that any more! This decorative mural is in a back lane in the central business district of Launceston city. Now if only walls could talk......the lane is narrow and is used by pedestrians to gain access to an under-story shopping arcade called Centreway Arcade.

So what's with this wonderful 20th Century design in the lane, out in the open called Centerpoint? I wonder if there was originally another little arcade between the lane and the shops at some stage and then it was later blocked off? Or maybe it was just an artistic addition to an otherwise dark and dingy back alley? Maybe it was an extension to the idea of the older arcade "Centreway Arcade"? Either way this hidden, out of the way gem of Modernist design is a real gem!

Whilst a key feature of Modernist Architecture and design is lack or adornment, many buildings, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s would feature repetitive and abstract tiles patterns or abstract sculptures.  It truly is a fascinating area and can be found in so many places, yet there is so little documented about it in Tasmania (guess that's why I started this blog!) and its important to highlight these treasures before they are lost forever.
Do you know anything of the history of Centrepoint?

3 comments:

  1. Love those tiles and the Centrepoint letters.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I believe it was a small variety/department store back in the 70s and 80s. I think it may have closed around the late 80s or early 90s.

    ReplyDelete

About the project

Join me (Thomas Ryan Photography) on a photographic project documenting Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism from the 1930's to the 1980's. The entire project gallery of 1000+ images and counting can be viewed on my website www.tryanphotos.com under art projects. I have been undertaking this project for over a decade.

My portfolio of commercial and art projects can be seen on my website www.tryanphotos.com and I can be contacted here as well. All photographs are copyright of Thomas Ryan Photography. Unauthorised use is prohibited. Contact me for all enquires

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