The 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.
Less 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.
Further along the panel, there is athletics.
And the sport of kings and Aussie battlers, horse racing. Also tennis and golf.
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.
The mainstay of many Australian communities, lawn bowls, is represented below a classic 30s motorcyclist.
Finishing off the selection of sports is polo and an iconic Australian lifesaver.
But I'll admit I'm a footy tragic and this guy is my favourite.
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