Art Deco & Modernism Tasmania website Facelift

I've given Art Deco & Modernism Tasmania website a facelift....and image facelift!  I've expanded the width of the website to allow for larger photographs, would love to hear what you think, does it work better or was the original layout better?

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?

Hobart City Art Deco Icon gets a facelift

The landmark (former) Hydro Electric Commission getting a makeover

Last week work commenced on repainting the former Hydro Electric Commission Building (now the Hobart City Council). When I took a closer look the paint going up was white, I hoped that it was just the undercoat! Contacting the Council, I was informed that the entire exterior of the building is being repainted, in the same colour scheme that exists now. I have been told it may look a lighter because the exterior is quite dirty as I've been informed the last time it was painted was some 30 years ago.

This landmark Art Deco building was designed in the late 1930s by A&K Henderson & Partners, a Melbourne based firm. It ranks as one of the most impressive examples of commercial Art Deco in Hobart and Tasmania. Streamline Art Deco buildings always look stunning on a street corners and the former Hydro Electric Commission building is a real joy to view.The central column lights up a neon yellow at night, it must have been a real eye opener back in the 1930s when motorists and passers by would have witnessed a massive new building the power harnessed by the construction of dams around the state; this building symbolised a new era in Industry and employment and power usage in the 20th Century.

Kings Wharf Silos, Launceston: A Different Perspective

The old silos in Launceston at Kings Wharf are a former shell of what was once an thriving industrial seaport site, known as Kings Wharf precinct. I find the silos to be a fascinating building as they are imposing and stand alone. The silos were designed in the late 1950s and they highlight the cities Industrial past, towering high enough to be seen throughout many vantage points around Launceston. The silos and the surrounding buildings are all in various states of decay and many are at risk of demolition, including the wonderful sawtooth designed woolsheds from the late 1930s. There was once a large wharf adjacent to the Silos, but only remains of large wooden beams exist, tangled in blackberry and garbage. Interestingly the silos were recently had graffiti prominently displayed on the upper facade, but as soon as it went up, it came down again with a fresh coat of new paint. Perhaps being a towering building that has dominance all over Launceston, the local authority viewed this prominent act as a negative portrayal on the city? A shame that the next step cannot be taken and for there to be real vision in adaptive reuse of silos and adjacent woolsheds. It's such a shame that sites like these are put into the "too hard basket", and then end up so badly damaged that they are no longer seen as assets but eyesores that should be demolished. This happens far too often, Launceston has many wonderful periods of architecture, but unfortunately places such as the Kings Wharf Silos that represent Launceston's 20th Century heritage are left standing with an uncertain future. Hobart had similar sized silos on it's docks down on Salamanca, these were converted into apartments....the entire docks of Hobart in the 20th Centiry were a hive of Industrial activity, only to be adaptively reused, cleaned up and turned into a tourist hot spot....you see where I am leading............

State Library of Tasmania - Hoabrt Glass Curtain wall

Readers of my blog may remember seeing my photos and posts of the Hobart State Library, Hobart. Here are another few shots from my collection of what is a fascinating building. This design was one of the earliest glass curtain wall designs in Hobart city and Tasmania. The reflections of the clouds and skies upon the glass provide exciting photographic opportunities and I never tire of viewing this interesting and in-tact example of post war Modernism.

To view more photographs of Hobart Art Deco & Modernist Architecture click here