Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sport @ Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne

Sports Panel at Manchester UnityThe foyer of the Manchester Unity Building (Marcus Barlow, 1932) features many panels depicting aspects of Australian life, the services of the Manchester Unity IOOF, virtues and other themes.

The most obvious panels are made of plaster and form the cornice of the foyer and shopping arcade. Variations and different styles are presented on other floors and in the fabulous boardroom.

Sports Panel at Manchester UnityLess obvious are the black panels above the escalator and there are still others on the other side of the ceiling recess that are difficult to see except while riding the escalator.

One particular panel which curves around near the top of the escalator shows many types of sport including a rare depiction of Australian Rules Football in art deco style.

A surprising aspect of the panel is that cricket is not very prominent. In this section of the panel there is an aeroplane in the top left and directly below that, a batsman at the completion of a shot. In comparison, the foxhunting (?), racing car and in particular the footballer are very prominent.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

Further along the panel, there is athletics.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

And the sport of kings and Aussie battlers, horse racing. Also tennis and golf.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

As the panel curves around the corner there is a cyclist and a fantastic little speedboat racing across the lae at the top of the scene.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

The mainstay of many Australian communities, lawn bowls, is represented below a classic 30s motorcyclist.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

Finishing off the selection of sports is polo and an iconic Australian lifesaver.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

But I'll admit I'm a footy tragic and this guy is my favourite.

Sports Panel at Manchester Unity

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