Dom Polski Polish House typeface- Launceston.

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.

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Former AMP Building - Hobart

Former AMP Building - Hobart

The AMP building is a significant and excellent example of Tasmanian Modernism and was designed in the1960s. When it was 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.

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Reserve Bank Building - Hobart

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.

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Launceston Library - Celebrating 50 Years

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

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Former Gunns Headquarters and processing plant - Invermay, Launceston

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!


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Former Royal Derwent Hospital Chapel - New Norfolk

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.

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T&G Building Hobart - Art Deco Hobart

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.

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Derwent Valley Council Chambers - New Norfolk

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!

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Holyman House - Launceston

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

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Demolition of former ABC TV Studios, Hobart

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

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