Dom Polski Polish House typeface- Launceston.

Architecture is of course and central part of the Modernist movement but the fixtures, fittings and sculptures were important parts of the movement and artworks in their own right. This was the case with the former Dom Polski Polish House that was on Wellington Street in Launceston where above the main entry was a wonderful wrought iron sign with fantastic period typeface and deep red colouring. I am happy to have captured it as the building has since been redeveloped and any evidence of the original signage is now but a memory. It would be interesting to know what happened to the original signage and if it was repurposed? The Dom Polski Polish House was sold in 2013 and the funds were used to create the Polish Pioneers Monument honouring Polish settlers that came after World War 2. A large part of this project is to document places that are at risk of change or are to be demolished so that there is a record of what once was for posterity, this is such an example.

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Star Theatre - A Launceston Art Deco Landmark

The Star Theatre in Launceston is a beautiful example of Streamline Modernism and is one of the most striking examples of commercial Modernism. Whilst many larger examples of the period are to be found within the confines of the city the Star is a great example of Modernism located within a suburban context. Interestingly the theatre opened in the late 1930s but had a short life closing down in the late 1960s. It has in recent times been converted back into a cinema. It has recently sold again with approved plans to add another cinema with even more seats. Photographically its such an enjoyable building to document. I have made many visits to document this gem. Whilst the building remains static the light and the time of year its photographed in make a huge difference in the final capture. Thank you to everyone for your support in 2021 - I have big plans for the project next year! Remember to check out the Tasmanian Modernism page on Instagram and subscribe there for the latest photographs and news www.instagram.com/tasmanianmodernism/

Former AMP Building - Hobart

The AMP building is a significant and excellent example of Tasmanian Modernism designed in the 1960s. When built it was the tallest building in Hobart until another Modernist landmark, the Wrest Point Casino Tower (heritage listed & designed by Sir Roy Grounds) was opened in the early 1970s. Whilst many designs from the late 1950s and 1960s in Tasmania and indeed throughout Australia utilised a glass curtain wall facade (think the State Library in Hobart), by the late 1960s and well into into the 1970s and early 1980s we see an expanded use of and experimentation with concrete in buildings throughout Tasmania. Examples include such as 10 Murray Street Government Offices (demolished), Lands Building (Hobart), The Marine Board Building (Hobart), former RBA Building (Hobart), Launceston Police Headquarters (Launceston) and Henty House (Launceston). The AMP Tower exemplifies this approach with its use of thin concrete columns that run vertically between each window. Below each window is the use of small tiles. Another feature of the Modernist movement was involving artists to design works that would adorn and complement the built architecture. This is the case in the AMP with a stunning relief on the facade of the building by Sculptor Thomas Dwyer Bass. His works can be found adorning so many Modernist buildings and spaces throughout Australia and I've had a side mission of documenting and finding his works. I like how the AMP building is in two distinct sections. The lower floors act as a podium for the rest of the building to stand upon and this can be especially be seen from higher vantage points. This design creates a sense of lightness and breathing space at street level as opposed to the entire tower facade being at street level. I enjoy the prominent corner position of the tower, its wonderful to make photographs of with this perspective.

Reserve Bank Building - Hobart

The former Reserve Bank in Hobart is significant example of Modernism and was designed by the Commonwealth Department of Works. Throughout Australian capital cities there were reserve banks designed in the Modernist aesthetic throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The Hobart Reserve bank has similarities in design aesthetic to 10 Murray Street Government offices (demolished) seen in its concrete framework. There is an excellent example of artwork outside the main entry in the form of a bas relief by bronze artist Stephen Walker - he designed many artworks that complemented buildings and civic spaces throughout Tasmania. In 2012 the building was awarded the enduring architecture award in the Tasmanian architecture awards. You can view more photographs capturing this period of Tasmanian architecture, design and history (1930-1980s) on the Tasmanian Modernism website www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism

Launceston Library - Celebrating 50 Years

This month marks 50 years since the opening of the Launceston Library on the 8th October 1971. Originally known as the Northern Regional Launceston Library, the newly opened building provided a much needed modern amenity and extra storage capacity over several floors. The original library, known as the Launceston Mechanics Institute was built on the corner of St John and Cameron Streets (it was directly in front of where the current library now stands) The imposing building came to fruition through a combination of Government and private funding, and by 1856 the foundation stone was laid and it was opened in 1860 at a cost of £5370 (approximately $1.25 million in today's money). Mechanics Institutes were found throughout Tasmania and were the precursors to the Government funded public libraries that we know today. The Institute’s had their origins in the United Kingdom being set up to provide everyday people with the means to be educated, enlightened through books, public lectures and news. The Mechanics Institute changed its name in 1929 to the Launceston Public library, and paid subscriptions were dropped by 1945.

The original plans drawn up in the 1960s of the Launceston Library. I find such beauty in these old architectural plans all hand drawn with such precision and detail. Love the addition of the car as well which is where Civic Square is now. When the library was built and opened Cameron Street still ran right on by. It was another decade before Civic Square would become a reality. Photo - QVMAG

By the mid 20th Century the old Mechanics Institute library fell into a state of neglect and was demolished soon after the opening of the new (current) library in 1971. It’s interesting to note that the old Mechanics library stood for some time whilst the new library was being built. I find this in-between time fascinating as it provides a moment in time perspective of what was not to be - two libraries, the old and the new standing side by side for a short period of time. It reminds me of documenting the demolished 10 Murray Street Government Offices, and when for some time the old building and new Government offices stood side by side even though the 1960s offices were destined for the wrecking ball.

We can see in this photograph the Mechanics Institute and the current library standing side by side. It’s interesting to note that the old Mechanics library stood for some time whilst the new library was being built. The Mechanics Institute stood on the corner of Cameron and St John Streets which now forms part of Civic Square. Photo - QVMAG

I had the privilege of being able to photographically document the interior spaces before they were altered. It was fascinating to document the spaces of which many were as they would have been when the building first opened in the 1970s with elaborate use of timber. photo - Thomas Ryan Photography

If we take a step back and see the Launceston Library opening within the context of Tasmania and the Post War years, the development and modernisation of libraries throughout Tasmania was immense. This Post War boom in construction (through government and privately) hasn’t occurred since on such a scale, and this has provided us with a rich legacy of buildings from the 1930s to 1980s throughout Tasmania. It seems that in the North the libraries were known as Regional Libraries, and we see this in towns with new libraries being built in towns and cities all throughout Tasmania. The State Library of Tasmania in Hobart (1960s) is an exquisite example of Modernist design, as is the Brutalist Stack (1970s) that adjoins the State library and holds priceless State Archives (both are heritage-listed). The UTAS Sandy Bay campus library is another wonderful example of mid 20th century design and still in such original condition.

How the Launceston Library looked when opening in the early 1970s. photo - QVMAG

Launceston Library in the early 1970s. photo - QVMAG

The current library underwent renovations a few years ago and I had the privilege of being able to photographically document the interior spaces before they were altered, as well as undertake a photo project for the library of the renovations (these can be seen in the form of framed photographs throughout the interior spaces of the library. As a photographer with a passion for the built environment I have become passionate about being able to photograph buildings that are undergoing change or are being demolished. I know when I dig through old archive photographs I find it fascinating to come across how places used to look, and how these spaces change over time. I find it heart-breaking to think about how some places that are changed or demolished don’t have a quality record of how they once looked. I have captured many buildings that have now been altered or demolished including the Launceston Library, the former Launceston General Hospital, Willow Court/Royal Derwent Hospital, the former New Norfolk Police Station (demolished), former Devonport Police Station (demolished) and 10 Murray Street Government Offices (demolished) to name but a few. Now more than ever as these buildings from the 1930s-1980s reach age they are being renovated and/or demolished so a record of how they were is of paramount importance.

Original interior panelling - typical of 1960s design fitouts and could be seen in the now demolished 10 Murray Street Government offices as well. photo - Thomas Ryan Photography

Documenting the Launceston library was a fantastic privilege and experience as there were so many original features to document, and most inspiring to me was the main staircase which as you enter the building you can look straight up and get a fantastic view of its square spiral form with large glass window panels allowing natural light to flood in onto the staircase. Whilst the plasterboard panels were later editions the timber panelling and woodwork was original and was so beautiful. On the upper floors there were still some partitioned offices left with their veneer grain walls and original typeface on the doors. On the exterior the curved brickwork panels that adorn the building are amazing, especially when you get up close and look upwards at them. According to the building foreman I talked with, the bands of dark brown slightly curved brickwork was the result of a very intense process of getting the temperature in the brick kiln just right so as to get the textures of those bricks looking a particular way. The main entry has subtle cream coloured stone panels, but the highlight for me is the aluminium panelling located at the main entry. They are in the same style as those found on the now demolished 10 Murray Street building. I salvaged some panels from 10 Murray Street and one day would like to go down with a piece to the library to see if they match. I love these little architectural details and they inspire how I go about making photographs of a building and the spaces within. Happy 50th birthday Launceston Library!

Looking upwards as you enter the main entry of the library you are greeted by the spiral staircase. The timber panelling and balustrades were beautifully designed works of craftsmanship. Photo - QVMAG

I spend a good deal of time photographing and researching for these stories documenting Tasmanian design from the 1930s-1980s. If you enjoy this story you might be interested in other feature stories I’ve documented. In Focus provides photo essays of buildings, sites and precincts relating to Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism. View projects such as Burnie Paper Mill, 10 Murray Street Government Offices, Myer Launceston, Launceston Woolsheds and Silos, and Henty House on the Tasmanian Modernism website - www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism

10 Murray Street Project - How Photography Evokes Emotion and Memory

This is my latest edit from my project documenting 10 Murray Street Government Offices in Hobart. I have photographs and video spanning a 10 year period in which I photographed the building from every perceivable angle both exterior and interior. I enjoy opening up these folders and working on this long term project. Whilst the building has long gone my collection of photographs serve as a reminder of what once was and working on these photographs takes me back to moments in time working on this project. When I see each and every photograph from this decade long project I remember where I was and what I was feeling when pressing the shutter. I believe in making art with emotion and to create this emotional relationship with a place or building I need to spend lots of time observing it in different seasons, light and in the case of 10 Murray at the stages of its life from working offices right up until its demolition. Having bear witness to the interior spaces as they were being used as offices then to walk the empty corridors where on some levels all the fittings and furniture was still in place and then walk to another floor to see walls, carpets and interiors ripped apart in preparation for the buildings entire demolition was a powerful experience and guided my process of making photographs. I hadn't imagined how much of an impact working with a building for so long would have on me - bearing witness to and documenting its last days was akin to losing a friend. I remember originally thinking that I would just document the building as it was standing as that was my memory and that's how I wanted to remember it. But as time went on and I saw the demolition I knew it was just as important to document the process of its destruction as this provided another chapter of the buildings life, its ultimate death. Whilst I have shared some of my exterior photographs on my website project gallery I would one day like to have some kind of an exhibition and share here some of the interior spaces. Social media and online content is fleeting and gone tomorrow - to create a space dedicated to the documenting and process of capturing this important part of history through photographs and the moving image is a dream I have and hopefully this can happen one day. View the online gallery of edited photographs so far on my website www.tryanphotos.com/10-murray-street-tasmania-cover

Former Gunns Processing Plant viewed from Trevallyn

Carrying on my my previous posts documenting the former Gunns plant in the suburb of Invermay in Launceston this photograph I captured from the suburb of Trevallyn provides a great industrial profile of the buildings, pipes and machinery that made up the factory. I enjoyed this view as it provides context as to where the factory was located. In this photograph we see the former railway workshops in the far background (now University of Tasmania). Even at this time the photograph was taken it provides a real sense of how the suburbs of Inveresk/Invermay has been shaped heavily by manufacturing and industry. This view now looks vastly different and largely unrecognisable from this photograph. This photograph was captured just a couple of years before the entire site was demolished and the collapse of the company. I like how there is some steam/smoke coming from the chimney stacks showing that the factory was a working site...and then only in a short period of time the total collapse of the company. Founded by brothers John and Thomas Gunn back in 1875, the company was a major employer throughout Tasmania. It went into administration in 2012 and by early 2013 was placed into liquidation and its headquarters demolished completely later that year. As a documentary photographer I enjoy looking back through my vast archives. The current site today is unrecognisable from this photograph. I have documented the development of these new buildings that replaced Gunns as well. Who knows what it will look like in the next 10 years or 50 years from now...the process of documentation is endless! Remember you can view more photographs and blogs about Tasmanian Modernist architecture and design (1930s-1980s) on the website blog www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism-blog

Former Gunns Headquarters and processing plant - Invermay, Launceston

Founded by brothers John and Thomas Gunn back in 1875, the company was a major employer throughout Tasmania. It went into administration in 2012 and by early 2013 was placed into liquidation and its headquarters demolished completely later that year. As a documentary photographer I enjoy looking back through my vast archives. The current site today is unrecognisable from this photograph. I have documented the development of these new buildings that replaced Gunns as well. Who knows what it will look like in the next 10 years or 50 years from now...the process of documentation is endless!

Former Royal Derwent Hospital Chapel - New Norfolk

This is my latest edit of the church building on the site of the former Royal Derwent Hospital. The hospital was the longest running mental institution in Australia operating for over 170 years until its closure in the early 2000s. I am happy to have documented the complex so that there is a record for posterity as many of the buildings I documented have since been demolished. View the former Administration complex, an impressive Art Deco building here

Former Royal Derwent Hospital Chapel - Thomas Ryan Photography

T&G Building Hobart - Art Deco Hobart

The impressive Art Deco lines of former Australian Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society in Hobart. Designed in the early 1930s with construction commencing in 1937 the T&G building was the beginning of what would usher in the beginning of the Modernist movement in Tasmania. The Art Deco period in Tasmania (and Australia) carried on for some time and buildings like the now demolished Government Printing Offices in Hobart were erected well into the 1950s. This was in large part due to the outbreak of World War 2 and the effects this had on the economy and shortage of raw materials. Buildings like the T&G and Modernist buildings to follow reflect a time of great change in Tasmania with every corner of the Island transformed through commercial, industrial, residential, civic and infrastructure projects that transformed cities, towns. Not since the 1800s Victorian boom had Tasmanian since such rapid growth and it could be argued that it hasn't seen such days since. This project aims to document the buildings, places and stories from people who were part of this period in Tasmanian history. Tasmanian Modernism website www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism

The impressive lines of the T&G building. I had captured this moment as I took a quick break from documenting 10 Murray Street Government Offices just down the road before its demolition. The light this particular morning was beautiful and the shadow and light made for a wonderful day of photography

Former New Norfolk Police Station

I captured this photograph of the former New Norfolk Police Station one late in 2020. The next morning at first light fencing was being erected in preparation for demolition. Designed in the late 1960s the building was demolished early this year. I remember driving past the station way back in the early 2000s when I was busy documenting the nearby Royal Derwent Hospital and remember thinking I should get around to making photographs of the station...fast forward nearly 20 years and I hadn't made any photos! When I heard that the Station was being demolished I made a journey to New Norfolk and stayed overnight to document the building before it was lost forever. I was happy to have captured this photograph (and others) as I had no idea that the fencing was going up that next morning. I am captivated by dying buildings like these and I find it so important to capture these moments before they are lost forever. So much has changed since I started making photographs back in the early 2000s for the Tasmanian Modernism project - New Norfolk Police Station, Launceston General Hospital, Devonport Maternity Hospital, Royal Derwent Hospital, Devonport Police Station,10 Murray Street....just some of the examples of buildings and sites I've documented that have since been demolished. I love that a photograph can capture a moment in time and that such moments can make a building and its memory last forever - at least in the form of the image. You can view more photographs from my collection of demolished Modernist buildings in Tasmania on the website www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism-demolished

Former New Norfolk Police Station captured the day before demolition commenced

A beautiful in-tact example of 1950s Tasmania living

A beautiful and great example of a mid century 1950s home with original features intact including the orange brickwork, timber frame windows, balustrade, porch light fitting and even the house number. With so much change and demolition of the period it makes me smile seeing such original design as it was intended and intact too.

Derwent Valley Council Chambers - New Norfolk

This is one of my latest captures for the Tasmanian Modernism project. I had documented the bold Art Deco building well over a decade ago now but it's always always fun to go back and capture familiar sites with fresh eyes. I remember waking up at first light to a sunny but windy morning and the forecast was for overcast conditions. There was a quick window where the sun was out where I made this photograph. Summer in Tasmania - it was just 3c! View the ongoing project documenting Tasmanian 20th Century architecture on the Tasmanian Modernism website https://www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism

Holyman House - Launceston

One of my favourite Modernist buildings in Tasmanian is Holyman House in Launceston. Designed in the 1930s it’s a wonderful example of Streamline Modernism with beautiful finial details. Whilst I’ve made plenty of photos of Holyman House this one I was very happy with the lack of traffic and the beautiful pastel hues of the sky

Demolition of former ABC TV Studios, Hobart

The former mid century ABC TV Studios has been approved for demolition. The stunning glass curtain wall design features a beautiful period mosaic designed by Artist George Davis using 150,000 mosaic tiles which is on the heritage and must be retained in the redevelopment. Read more about Tasmanian glass curtain wall architecture on the Tasmanian blog here http://www.tryanphotos.com/.../glass-curtain-wall-tasmania