Industrial Thomas Ryan Industrial Thomas Ryan

Launceston Silos & Woolsheds

This is my latest edit from my 10+ year project documenting the industrial beauty of the silos and woolsheds. The project explores the former industrial precinct located in the suburb of Invermay, Launceston before, during and after demolition. Over 10 years of documentation, this is a project close to my heart. I remember making this photograph just prior to the woolsheds being demolished. This was a prolific time of image making as I knew it would be only a matter of time before they were demolished and the silos being redeveloped and being unrecognisable to their original design. This photograph captured in 2015 was made exploring vantage points over the other side of the Tamar River, I enjoyed the process of finding as many different vantage points to document this landmark before it was gone forever. View the project photographs that I’ve edited so far here

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Government, Hospitals Thomas Ryan Government, Hospitals Thomas Ryan

Abandoned Devonport Maternity Hospital

It has been a real joy working through my archives and remastering old photographs for the Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism project This photograph is just about 10 years old to the day! Being able to edit the photographs with the skills I've learnt is a wonderful experience. The first image I have never edited before, this is the first time its seen the light of day since capturing it all those years ago. The process of remastering, finding gems amongst my archives and capturing new photographs is a long process, but I find it such a rewarding one.

Devonport Maternity Hospital - I have never edited this photograph before, its a real joy working through my archives.

Devonport Maternity Hospital - I have never edited this photograph before, its a real joy working through my archives.

Devonport Maternity Hospital

Devonport Maternity Hospital

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Residential Thomas Ryan Residential Thomas Ryan

Glass Curtain Wall Architecture in Tasmania - Mid Century Modernism

Glass Curtain Wall architecture - The adornment of glass and aluminium covering the external shell of a building was a popular design method of the Modernist period throughout Tasmania and Australia during the 1950s-70s. This story takes a look at the importance of this period of design throughout Tasmania.


Glass Curtain Wall architecture - The adornment of glass and aluminium covering the external shell of a building was a popular design method of the Modernist period throughout Tasmania and Australia during the 1950s-70s. This story takes a look at the importance of this period of design throughout Tasmania.

Tasmania has many great examples of glass curtain wall architecture to be found throughout the island

Global context of glass curtain wall architecture

We need to travel overseas to see the beginnings of this form of Modernism. One of the most notable examples of glass curtain wall is the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, Germany. Designed by the founder of the Bauhaus movement, Walter Gropious, it’s a striking early example (1925) of the Modernist movement, especially evident through elaborate use of glass curtain wall. The industrial Fagus building designed by Gropius for the production of pencil cases is another beautiful example of elaborate use of curtain wall. Designed in 1911 it’s a remarkably early design. At the same time as the Fagus building was being built designs in Tasmania were still focused on the Arts and Crafts/Queen Anne movement (look at the Launceston Post Office for such an example of the prevalent style at the time in Tasmanian design) Buildings in the design ethos of the Fagus building wouldn't be seen in Tasmanian design for at least another 20-30 years. In Tasmania, like much of Australia, design influences and styles reached our shores somewhat later. Architects would take trips overseas and bring back with them design ideas that they were influenced by immigration into Australia and Tasmania during the Post-War years brought a new wave of designers who experimented with new building materials and design influences.

The industrial Fagus building designed by Gropius for the production of pencil cases is an early example of use of glass curtain wall. Designed in 1911 its a remarkably early example of Modernism and appliction of curtain wall. Image source Carsten Janssen / cc-by-sa-2.0-de via Wikipedia Commons

Architectural styles and periods of design aren’t set in stone (or concrete)

The argument is often put forward, especially when demolishing a building or altering it, that it somehow isn't of the era because it doesn't fit a predefined date. Whilst periods of design have been given labels and dates, it's never as clear cut, history, culture and design don't have a definitive start and an end date, given that there is so much overlap. There are many examples of this overlap including the former Townsville General Hospital, designed in the 1930s but opening in 1951 due to the outbreak of the Second World War - cutting edge influences from overseas took time to be implemented and experimented with in Tasmania and throughout Australia. Tasmanian examples include the former Art Deco Government Printing offices (mid 1950s, demolished) and Henty House in Launceston (1982)

The former Art Deco Tasmanian Government Printing Offices (1955) were built in the mid 1950s, highlighting the fact that design doesn’t fit a predefined date. Demolished 2014

The former Townsville General Hospital, designed in the 1930s but opening in 1951 due to the outbreak of the Second World War

Henty House, designed in the early 1980s in on of Tasmania’s finest examples of Brutalism. The influences of the Brutalism, as with all styles of Australian design, arrived in Australia much later.

The argument is often put forward, especially when demolishing a building or altering it, that it somehow isn’t of the era because it doesn’t fit a predefined date. Whilst periods of design have been given labels and dates, it’s never as clear cut, history, culture and design don’t have a definitive start and an end date, given that there is so much overlap.

Glass Curtain Wall Modernism in Tasmania

The early adoption of the curtain wall in Tasmania was often applied to sections of the building, namely the street facing facade, or in small sections of a building to allow light to flood in. Earlier designs from the 1930s/40s often used steel frame windows. It wasn't until the 1950s/60s that aluminium became the standard for curtain wall design. A great example of sections of a building utilising curtain wall was in the former Launceston General Hospital (altered) where parts of the veranda utilised glass and steel frame windows for the health benefits of natural light. Buildings of industry would often apply large sections of glass to allow for maximum light to enter. This is apparent on the facade of the Mintys (altered 2018/2019) in Hobart (which until recently still had its original neon signage) and residential dwellings throughout Tasmania. One of the earliest experiments in glass curtain wall design was York Chambers (altered beyond original recognition in 2018) in Launceston. Designed in 1955 it was a notable example of early adoption of curtain wall with the facade adorned in glass and aluminium, and finished off with grilled aluminium trim on the buildings edges. Other notable examples of street facing building frontages being designed of curtain wall include York House in Launceston (altered in 2019) and Former Devonport Police Headquarters (demolished) and Construction House in Hobart.

York Chambers in Launceston was one of the early examples of curtain wall design in Tasmania, and finished off with grilled aluminium trim on the buildings edges. Altered beyond recognition in 2018

The industrial facade of Minty’s in Hobart. Altered 2018/2019

The beautiful York House in Launceston, showcasing blue panels and orange brick detailing. Altered beyond original design in 2019

Former Devonport Police Station, demolished

Earlier Modernist buildings from the Art Deco period (circa 1930s -50s) predominantly used brick/stone in their construction, thereby acting as the load bearing walls that supported the building structure. When viewing these buildings they have a “solid” and “heavy” presence. This is apparent in many Tasmanian Art Deco buildings including the T&G Building in Hobart, the Days Building in Devonport, and Holyman House in Launceston. The 1960s in Tasmania witnessed a boom in examples of curtain wall architecture. Perhaps the most prolific cluster can be seen at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus in Hobart. These include the engineering building which wouldn’t look out of place on an industrial site. It’s tinted blue glass panels are a visually pleasing attribute, and the utilisation of colours on panels were popular in curtain wall design. The chemistry building at UTAS Sandy Bay provides a beautiful multilevel curtain wall as you make your way to the grand columned entry. The Morris Miller Library is another wonderful example, with elaborate use of red panels, and the design also features beautiful detailed emergency staircases. The glass panelling allows the staircases to be seen from outside, and in doing so creates a visual impact that would otherwise be hidden from view. The majority of the University of Tasmania buildings at the Sandy Bay campus were designed in the mid 20th Century, and highlight excellent intact and unaltered examples of the early application of large scale glass and steel, as well as mid 20th century design in general. The State Library of Tasmania in Hobart CBD is another great example of curtain wall. All faces of the library are covered in glass and aluminium, creating maximum light penetration whilst visually providing a sense of weightlessness to the building. In 2013 the social and historical significance of the State Library was recognised when it was given heritage listing status along with the impressive and imposing Brutalist stack adjoining it which holds precious archives.

The Chemistry building on the Sandy Bay, University of Tasmania campus is one of many examples of curtain wall design on campus

State Library of Tasmania, Hobart. In 2013 the social and historical significance of the State Library was recognised when it was given heritage listing status along with the impressive and imposing Brutalist stack adjoining it which holds precious archives.

The former Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania

Engineering Workshops, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay campus. A visual delight with the panels of clear and blue glass panels with the building itself providing a real industrial feel that wouldn’t look out of place on a factory site.

 

The Morris Miller Library is another wonderful example, with elaborate use of red panels, and the design also features beautiful detailed emergency staircases.

Other examples in Hobart CBD include the former Conservatory of Music, University of Tasmania. Whilst the addition of sunshades obscure the original fabric of this building, the original curtain wall can nonetheless be visually read still. The building also features a wonderful mosaic on the external ground floor. There are so many great examples of curtain wall design in Hobart and throughout Tasmania, it's really well worth taking the time to explore. When I capture photographs for the Tasmanian Modernism project I love to be inspired and travel places to be inspired by architecture and design. Across the Tasman in Melbourne ICI house is an inspirational example of curtain wall design that is really worth checking out. Breaking new ground by being the tallest building in Australia when it opened in 1958, this 19 level heritage listed office tower is a stunning example of curtain wall design. The planned gardens and sculptures that surround the building are intact and provide a visual delight and insights into this period of design and construction. There are several examples of curtain wall throughout the CBD, especially in Collins Street, which was home to CRA House, another landmark curtain wall and one of the first and tallest buildings within the CBD Hoddle grid. This lost gem has to be one of the shortest lived buildings having been constructed in the early 1960s and demolished just over 20 years later! A grand industrial example in Melbourne was the Australian Paper Mills Boiler House at the Alphington Paper Mill factory. It was an impressive curtain wall design on a grand scale designed in 1954. If you’re interested in Melbourne Modernist Architecture, then be sure to check out my ongoing project gallery Melbourne 20th Century Modernism

ICI House in Melbourne broke new ground by being the tallest building in Australia when it opened in 1958

CRA House in Melbourne CBD was an iconic curtain wall design and at the time would have been one of the tallest buildings in the hoddle grid. Designed in the 1960s and demolished in the 1980s it was one of the shortest lived skyscrapers in Melbourne. Source: Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007, CRA building and city views, Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 1962, National Library of Australia, PIC WS AC-3189-add1 LOC Cold store PIC Siev CN&T-F

Australian Paper Mills Boiler House at the Alphington Paper Mill factory was an impressive curtain wall design on a grand scale designed in 1954. Demolished for housing project.

It wasn't until the early 1970s that Tasmania got its first highrise glass curtain wall. Known locally as "Jaffa House" for its use of colourful glass in the same hue as the popular confectionery, and it stands as perhaps the landmark example of glass curtain wall design and the tallest example in Hobart and indeed Tasmania. I particularly love the coloured panels as well as how the lower podium is offset on a different angle to the main tower, something that is most apparent when you stand opposite on Collins Street. Jaffa House could perhaps be seen as the beginning of the end of the glass curtain era, but it's influence has never gone away. In reality it's become a mainstay of contemporary design, especially in office and residential towers throughout Australia.

Jaffa House, Hobart is the tallest example of curtain wall in Tasmania and perhaps one of the most iconic with its coloured panels.

The influences and legacy of glass curtain wall design

By the late 1970s design was moving in new directions. By the late 60s/1970s Tasmanian design in architecture witnessed large scale use and experimentation of concrete, marking a break away from "pure" curtain wall design. Application of concrete and glass was most apparent in 10 Murray Street Government Offices where what is essentially a curtain wall design is broken up by panels of anodised aluminium below each window and an outer concrete columns, thereby creating one of the main visual aesthetics. Other examples from this period that apply use of concrete on a large scale include Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay, the Hydro Electric Offices in Hobart and the ANZ Bank (former TAA Offices) in Launceston. The 1970s/early 80s was the period of Brutalist design style in Tasmania and Australia, a radical visual shift away from mid century design, but mid century modernism and its use of curtain wall design nonetheless had a major influence and impact on future design. An example of this fusion of glass and concrete is apparent at the Hobart Private Hospital below) With large expanses of curtain wall, it's broken up by textured bulky textured columns of concrete.

 

The 1970s/early 80s was the period of Brutalist design style in Tasmania and Australia, a radical visual shift away from mid century design, but mid century modernism and its use of curtain wall design nonetheless had a major influence and impact on future design. An example of this fusion of glass and concrete is apparent at the Hobart Private Hospital. With large expanses of curtain wall, it's broken up by textured bulky textured columns of concrete.

 
 
 
 
By the late 60s/1970s Tasmanian design in architecture witnessed large scale use and experimentation of concrete, marking a break away from “pure” curtain wall design.

By the mid 1980s postmodernism had arrived, and designs, especially in offices, had shifted to elaborate use of curtain wall. Whilst there is a strand of postmodernism that borrows heavily and reinterprets the past (such as Grand Chancellor in Launceston), many examples from the Post Modern period applied glass curtain wall to their designs. The landmark Rialto Towers in Melbourne is an iconic example from the 1980s. The aesthetic, application and design intent of curtain wall design had changed, but the influences of the pioneering mid century designs are apparent and continue today, especially in residential skyscrapers throughout many cities throughout Australia.

By the mid 1980s postmodernism had arrived, and designs, especially in offices, had shifted to elaborate use of curtain wall. Photograph - Rialto Towers (1982), Melbourne

The influences of mid century curtain wall design can be seen most clearly in the residential construction boom in Melbourne. Photograph - The Premier Tower under construction (2019) has a curvaceous design in glass and when completed will be a 78 level residential skyscraper in the heart of Melbourne CBD

The aesthetic, application and design intent of curtain wall design had changed, but the influences of the pioneering mid century designs are apparent and continue today, especially in residential skyscrapers throughout many cities throughout Australia. Photograph - 11033_Avenue Residential Apartments, South Yarra Melbourne

The glass curtain wall liberated the way people lived and worked in the mid 20th Century, allowing a way to build for the future. Perhaps this period of design isn't as appreciated as much as it should be. The contemporary use of mass application of glass and aluminium is as popular now as it's ever been. Maybe we've become somewhat blase as to how groundbreaking this method of design really was. A flick through architecture magazines from the mid twentieth century show just how popular materials like aluminium were, with full page adverts highlighting the virtues of this wonderful material in use in design. It's time to celebrate the influence and legacy of the glass curtain wall. Glass curtain wall design is a fascinating branch of Modernism, and it’s high time that we celebrate its influence and its legacy. We are extremely fortunate in Tasmania provides to have so many inspiring examples in which to be inspired by, and to be able to witness the many ways in which they helped to shape and influence design that came afterwards.

Glass curtain wall design is a fascinating branch of Modernism, and it’s high time that we celebrate its influence and its legacy

Photography and words by Thomas-Liam Ryan (expect where attributed) My photographs and written work on this subject were published in the book, Australian Modern Design: Mid 20th Century Architecture & Design

View more Tasmanian 20th Century stories on the blog by clicking here

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Government Thomas Ryan Government Thomas Ryan

Mid Century Hobart Landmark - Former Offices of Bush Parkes Shugg & Moon

This was the former offices Bush Parkes Shugg & Moon, designed by the firm in 1956. It was then used by the Government as the the Department of Education. The building (now called Construction House) is home to various businesses. The design is a wonderful early example of Modernism in Hobart, with elaborate use of Mondrian inspired tiles created by Artist Max Angus on the entire facade, as well as a beautiful staircase with a rubber plant tree that spirals up the entire flight of stairs! Another example of dramatic use of moasaic tiling can be seen on the facade of the Myer building in Launceston Interestingly the original design (as seen in the archive photo below) had 3 levels, sometime after an additional 2 levels were added. This was quite common practice of the period, that buildings were designed in a way that they could be extended. Bush Parkes Shugg & Moon architects were responsible for many exampalrly Modernist designs in Hobart, and this design is testimony to that and also reflects the involvement of artists in creating and being part of the overall design.

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Artist Max Angus was prolific in his works throughout his career, as can be seen here in his Mondrian inspired mosaic details that adorn the entire facade

Artist Max Angus was prolific in his works throughout his career, as can be seen here in his Mondrian inspired mosaic details that adorn the entire facade

What I love about archive photographs is the new history they help reveal. Until I saw this photo I hadn't realised that it was originally designed for 3 levels, and later on an additional 2 levels were added. Photographic source: Tasmania Archive a…

What I love about archive photographs is the new history they help reveal. Until I saw this photo I hadn't realised that it was originally designed for 3 levels, and later on an additional 2 levels were added. Photographic source: Tasmania Archive and Heritage Office

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Commercial Thomas Ryan Commercial Thomas Ryan

Myer Launceston - Launceston 20th Century Landmark

The Myer building in Launceston cannot be missed; it stands as one of the cities tallest buildings rising 6 levels above ground. With its imposing design, largely built of red brick, Myer sweeps around the corners of Brisbane and St John Streets. Its sheer makes it stand out in the streetscape and as such it visually anchors the CBD - meeting in front of the Myer building you’ve arrived in the heart of retail Launceston!

When it opened in the early 1960s it was the tallest commercial building in Tasmania, marking its place in history as one of the first high rise buildings in the State. Launceston would soon see more tall buildings from the Modernist period. Hobart, too, would see a swathe of tower blocks in this mid century period, both for commercial and residential uses.

The mid-20th Century was an an amazing time of prosperity, providing Tasmania with a rich variety of architecture supporting a post war population boom. Taking a look at the infrastructure in and around Launceston that was constructed at this time, we see many large scale projects that have shaped the city we know today. The Trevallyn Dam and it’s connecting hydro power station in the same suburb name (1955) are dominant Modernist landmarks in Launceston. The dam and power station stand as visual reminders to Launcestonians of how the city’s power is still predominantly obtained from hydroelectricity. Along the Tamar River is the striking design of the Batman cable-stayed Bridge, which commenced construction in 1966. You can walk along it, and the views from underneath and various vantage points along the Tamar river are spectacular.

The Batman Bridge spanning the River Tamar designed in the 1960s was one of the many examples of Modernist design being built in the mid 20th Century boom years.

The Batman Bridge spanning the River Tamar designed in the 1960s was one of the many examples of Modernist design being built in the mid 20th Century boom years.

The period between the 1960s to early 1980s also provided Launceston with many striking examples of 20th century commercial and civic architecture, much of which remains to this day. Some prominent examples include the Telstra Exchange (1960s), Launceston Library (1970s), Magistrates Court (1960s), Launceston Police Headquarters (1970s) , ANZ Bank (1970s), Coles Building Mowbray (1970s, demolished), Newnham Police Station (1970s), Henty House (early 1980s) and, of course, the Myer building.

The Myer building was originally built as a department store for the firm Cox Brothers. A Victorian period building had stood on the site and was demolished in 1959. Cox Brothers operated out of its new purpose built building for only a few years until Myer moved in and occupied the entire building. Myer has been located within this building for nearly 60 years and has remained there ever since.

‘‘The Myer building in Launceston cannot be missed; it stands as one of the cities tallest buildings rising 6 levels above ground. With its imposing design, largely built of red brick, Myer sweeps around the corners of Brisbane and St John Streets. Its sheer makes it stand out in the streetscape and as such it visually anchors the CBD - meeting in front of the Myer building you’ve arrived in the heart of retail Launceston!’’

One of the most fascinating attributes of the building is its size relative to the population of Launceston, especially when you consider it would have been far less in the 1960s than it is today. It’s one of the few examples of high rise design department store in regional cities and towns in Australia. Sure, capital cities such as Melbourne have multi-storey stores within the the CBD, but Launceston has a population of around 100,000, whereas Melbourne has four million! Most Myer stores in regional areas are in low rise and/or integrated into an outlying satellite shopping mall. The very size of the Myer building is a monument to the confidence of this period in Tasmanian history.

The famous Santa on the main facade of the Cox Brothers (then Myer) building. Note the main entry was on the corner and the glass windows all at pedestrian level and on the facade allowing natural light. Source: Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office…

The famous Santa on the main facade of the Cox Brothers (then Myer) building. Note the main entry was on the corner and the glass windows all at pedestrian level and on the facade allowing natural light. Source: Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office: From the NS2267 series

Myer is a fascinating example of Mid Century department store design. Like many other period designs around Australia, the building highlights and reflects on a history of retail experience in the mid-20th century in Australia represented by purpose built shopping malls or multi storey towers. Launceston differed from many other towns at the time as it didn’t have a large scale dedicated shopping mall with large anchor stores as key attractors. While small scale malls exist today in Kings Meadows and Mowbray (with anchor stores being the two major supermarket chains), the traditional CBD shopping strip with a range of chain and independent stores was, and continues to be, the major retail shopping experience in Launceston.

In Victoria, it was a different story. Myer created Australian retail history in 1960 when it opened Chadstone Mall in the suburb of Malvern East. When the mall opened it was the largest in Australia and remains so today, with 211,929 m2 of retail floor-space, 20 million visitors annually and a turnover of around $1.4 billion a year. Recently the complex underwent massive renovations (there were also renovations in the 1980s, which produced a glass ceiling of a Post Modern style that in parts still exists today) and it's worth visiting just to admire the the massive curving wave of the glass ceiling - a magnificent feat of engineering and beautiful to behold.

View of the Cox Brothers (then Myer) department store under construction. Source: Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office: From the PH30 series

View of the Cox Brothers (then Myer) department store under construction. Source: Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office: From the PH30 series

Meanwhile in Hobart, Tasmania's first suburban shopping mall, Eastlands, opened in 1965, three years before in 1962 the Cat and Fiddle arcade opened in Hobart’s CBD. While Eastlands catered for the newly expanding suburbs on the eastern shore, the Cat and Fiddle Arcade provided modern shopping amenities and anchor stores right in the heart of the CBD. What Chadstone Myer had started in Melbourne became a model emulated across Australia. These mid century retail designs of providing multiple retail experiences under a single roof changed the retail experience in Australia forever.

Outdoor pedestrian malls in the later part of the 20th Century witnessed main roads removed in favour of walking and sitting areas with retail experiences on either side. Tasmania and, in particular Launceston, holds a special place in pedestrian mall history. The Launceston Brisbane Street Mall was the first in Australia, opening in the early 1970s. It remains to this day and, although altered several times (it underwent redevelopment last year), the concept of the open air pedestrian mall has not changed. Hobart too has an open air mall within a pedestrianised section of Elizabeth Street.

The advent of retail malls under one roof and open air malls set the scene for a retail boom in the mid 20th-Century. Access to and from these new retail experiences was still relatively close to the suburbs in Tasmania, in comparison to the sprawl of some mainland cities. This proximity, perhaps, aided in the viable continuation of traditional CBD shopping in Launceston and Hobart. There is also no doubt that Myer itself was a huge draw-card for shoppers in the CBD. It’s not only a retail attractor but the building itself is visually stunning, with many beautiful and interesting design attributes. The original exterior facade remains intact. A striking design feature is on this facade, which wraps and curves, enveloped in thousands of mosaic tiles in a variety of colours typical of hues seen in mid-20th Century design. This feature, so large in its scale, is the largest known use of mosaic tiles in Tasmania to me. The irony is though that not many people are aware of its existence. People ask me what the tile details of my photographs are from and they’re surprised when I tell them where it is. When you take the time to look up and admire how enormous the mosaic really is and how many tiles have been used, you can’t help but be impressed. The fact that it has been retained demonstrates its importance as an example of 1960s design aesthetic.

Myer Launceston
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‘‘People ask me what the tile details of my photographs are from and they’re surprised when I tell them where it is. When you take the time to look up and admire how enormous the mosaic really is and how many tiles have been used, you can’t help but be impressed’’

If you’re interested in seeing more mosaic tile design from the same period in Tasmania, check out the wonderful Railway Roundabout water fountain in Hobart: the roundabout itself, the water fountain and underground connecting footpaths, with the elaborate use of mosaic tiles in the tunnels. The Railway Roundabout is another exquisite example of Tasmanian Modernist artistic design and a walk through there is a great way to witness the use of mosaic tiles similar to those on the Myer building.) The original entry used to be on the corner, under the wall of tiles, and it really looked a grand entry as you entered beneath those tiles. I love the way the mosaic wall curves at the front corner, breaking up the straight walls of the rest of the building. The straight exterior facades are adorned with more tiles - panels of blue with alternating red bricks. The sheer amount of bricks used to build this building must have kept the factory making them very busy!

There are emergency stairs at the end corner of St John Street, and rather than be a functional hidden exit, the staircase has panes of glass and aluminium windows allowing for natural light to flood the stairwell. While the interior has been altered several times, original features remain and the sense of scale is apparent with the tall ceilings throughout. The escalators are original, with their narrowness apparent in comparison to escalators today. A wonderful original design of the escalators are the numbers as you enter denoting the level you’re on, perhaps made from Bakelite, they are, a typeface lovers delight!

One of the amazing experiences of Myer was the rooftop cafe. Many locals still speak of their memories of it, as it only closed down in the early to mid-1990s. The only visual reminders of it now are the verandas when you look up outside. The verandas are framed within a concrete “tv box” framing. If you stand a little further back and gaze up, you can also see a small wall or curved brick work with alternating gaps on the rooftop, which looks to be a decorative element hiding perhaps plant machinery equipment. This design and use of bricks is typical of this period of design. What a place to window gaze over a coffee and lunch it would have been! With the boom in cafe culture today, it would be a local and tourist draw-card for the city if it were to ever open again.

The top floor and veranda was once a cafe and the views afforded of Launceston were amazing

The top floor and veranda was once a cafe and the views afforded of Launceston were amazing

The concrete veranda ‘‘tv box’’, the railing and brickwork details are all original period designs of 1960s architecture

The concrete veranda ‘‘tv box’’, the railing and brickwork details are all original period designs of 1960s architecture

It's been nearly 60 years of Myer operating out of the current building. It will be interesting to see what happens into the future with constant change within the retail environment. If Myer ever vacates the building it’s difficult to envisage how such a large floor space would be reused and if the building could be adaptively reused. For now, it's a fascinating and intact example of mid-20th Century department store design and reflects the larger picture of how retail design in the mid-20th Century shaped and changed Launceston and Tasmania and the way we go about shopping and using our leisure time.

I have just uploaded a new gallery dedicated to my photographs of the Myer building in Launceston. As I edit my collection I will continue to add these to the gallery. Click here to view the project gallery

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