Growing Up in Brisbane

Firstly thanks to sweet Richie for giving me a Marie Antoinette award recently. This is the 2nd time I've been lucky enough to receive this award and I'm still none the wiser to what it means. Thanks heaps Richie!

I recently visited the Growing Up: 150 Years of Brisbane2008 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane. Not only was this exhibition a great opportunity to see some amazing work from local emerging photographers, but it also brilliantly captured the beauty, vibrancy and diversity of this little town from so many different perspectives. It made me proud to call Brissy my home.


The exhibition also includes images of 1890’s Brisbane from the Elliot Collection and a very nice display of antique and vintage cameras that had me drooling. If you’re a local I fully encourage you to check out this exhibition. Be sure to allow for plenty of time to see it all. I wasn’t expecting so many photos to be on display so I was a little rushed to see it all on the day I went. I’ll be going back. The exhibition is on until 8th March (the MoB program guide states 22nd February). As with all MoB exhibitions it's free admission.


The MoB is located on the ground level of this magnificent building, Brisbane City Hall. This heritage listed Brisbane icon is under threat due to major structural problems. Sadly it may need to close permanently if substantial repairs are not carried out urgently and the Lord Mayor is wanting feedback about the future of the building from Brisbane residents by 6th February. There is a detailed wikipedia page all about the history of Brisbane City Hall, so if you would like to learn a little more, then click here.



City Hall Auditorium which houses the famous Henry Willis & Sons grand concert organ, built in 1892.


One of the many demonstrations that have taken place outside Brisbane City Hall. This one in the 1960s.





Initial phases of the construction through to the completion of Brisbane City Hall. These photographs were taken by Bertha Mobsby, one of Queensland's early female photograpers and cinemaphotographers.

If you would like to have your say about the future of Brisbane City Hall, visit here, and then click on Saving City Hall. Please please please get involved. So many beautiful old buildings of Brisbane have been destroyed over the recent years and we really need to save what little history we have remaining.

Comments

What a cool exhibit for a worthy cause.
Victoria said…
Oh my goodness, I hope this amazing and beautiful historical building can be saved. How sad to think of it being destroyed. Please keep us posted on its fate.
Elizabeth said…
These old photos of Brisbane are just fabulous! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the exhibit and into Brisbane's history. Very cool.
Anonymous said…
Very interesting history. I like the photos!

Paz
Anonymous said…
I love seeing all these old photos - and the quote above is PERFECT in so many ways!
Chubby Chieque said…
G´day T!

Thanks so much for keeping me warm. Just looking at your pix makes me glad.

I been to OZ several times but never been to your warm Brisbane. I'll see to it nxt time I'll visit you §:-)

What an amazing treasures you have downunder. Hope you can save them till our great grand kids time.

Hugs!
bobbie said…
That must be a great exhibit. The building looks so beautiful, and what an organ! Magnificent! You have a right to be proud.
keiren said…
I'm originally from Brisbane and have fond memories of the city hall building so I hope it is saved. My parents still live there. I'll let them know about this in case they don't already. Keep us posted! That photography exhibition I would love to see.
Bec said…
The exhibition looks great - although I probably have bucklies of actually getting there. I had no idea about the drama going on with the hall either. I have just sent my feedback through and pleaded its case. Boy I hope it is saved!!!
Think I might have to pop in there on the weekend and check out the exhibition. Thanks for the Saving City Hall link!
Unknown said…
Cool exhibition, wish I could go and see. Exhibitions here are not everyone favourite..we are a boring lot..only interested in sales :( hope you'll have a good week ahead :D
Wish I was there...I'm sure I would really enjoy the exhibit. Someone obviously needs to accompany you to keep you from drooling all over the antiques. Must not drool on antiques.

I certainly hope they decide to save the building. I went to your link, to try and have my say on the fate of the building...but it seems they are not interested in what I have to say. Must be a Bris resident. Sigh. I love old buildings and it is certainly a very nice one.

Love all the photos. I particularly like the one of the 1960's demonstration...I am entranced by the woman on the left side and her white hat;D

Wonderful post Tracy! Thanks:)
Anonymous said…
Great post! The estimated repair costs for City Hall are huge, but I'm all for saving it. If it was one of our sporting venues it wouldn't even be up for negotiations! It would be repaired immediately no matter what the expense. Just my opinion of course. Love the old pictures of City Hall.
Anonymous said…
What a great post. City Hall is such a big part of what Brisbane is. Too sad to see it go. I remember going up in the clock tower as a little girl and as a not so little girl having quite a few beverages at one or two nurses balls auditorium. Ahh the memories (or lack there of on some nights).
Kat said…
wow will definitely ahve to get to see that, I didn't grow up here but I do find myself growing fonder and fonder of my adopted city..I used to work opposite the Town Hall (the Suncorp Plaza) and walked by it everyday, it would very a very sad day indeed if it were destroyed :(
Hey Harriet said…
Hey Kylie,

Your comment about our sporting venues made me laugh. You're probably right! Thanks for stopping by :)
What beautiful pictures..It is always a shame to see a wonderful building being neglected..I do hope it will be saved.
Anonymous said…
Why can't 'the powers that be' see how important our built history is. Is it too dramatic to say that every time a beautiful old building gets knocked down a piece of us dies!
keiren said…
Hey Harriet I just scored an Argus camera on ebay! Had to pop in here to tell you as I knew you would appreciate how excited I am!
Unknown said…
I really enjoyed the photos. Looks like a worthwhile visit.
Anonymous said…
What a great exhibition. I'll have to try and find some 'child free' time so I can go. That would be after I manage to book my 6 monthly hair cut, my 4 yearly dentist appointment, oh and go shopping to use up all my birthday vouchers from last November ;P

I hope City Hall can be saved and remain usable.
Anonymous said…
I've been wanting to go and see the exhibit, but unfortunately I haven't got my arse into gear yet. I still have a few weeks! I didn;t grow up here, but I still feel like Bris is more my home than anywhere else I've ever lived. I love this city.
Katie said…
That sounds like a fascinating exhibition! Australia seems like a really cool place - I am planning to travel there sometime in the future.
Hot Fudge said…
Thanks for the wonderful post - I will certainly make every effort to get to the wonderful exhibition.

As for the City Hall, it must be saved. For me as an adopted Brizzy-ite of over 25 years, it is the heart of our city.