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.
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 and Heritage Office