The foundation stone of the Conargo Shire Chambers was laid be Percy Landale esq on 20th December 1930. Another stone set in the wall, informs us that A C Fitznead was the Engineer and W J Caddy was the Builder.
You have shown gorgeous Deco buildings in small country towns, built at the very worst part of the Great Depression.
I would have assumed two things: a] that Deco was a very urban, modernising trend that would have appealed less to rural towns and more to city sophisticates and b] even if rural towns did aspire to new and splendid architecture, that 1929-33 would have been a particularly difficult time to raise the money.
Perhaps Conargo Shire Chambers was planned in the heady, pre-Crash days.
I know what you are saying Helen. I guess each building has its own story and you find some of the amazing buildings in rural towns. Have you seen the Art Deco in the Australian Bush blog (http://ausartdeco.blogspot.com.au) It has a great collection of buildings.
MELBOURNE ART DECO
In 2009 Robin Grow published a book on Melbourne Art Deco, with images largely supplied by David Thompson. The book quickly sold out and he is pleased to say that it has now been re-published by Brolga Press, with updates, errors corrected and a new cover.
Best of all, it is selling for about $25 in the shops and on-line. Art Deco & Modernism Society members can purchase a copy from me for $22, (includes postage within Australia). For overseas orders please email for postage rates. Contact me at robingrow@ozemail.com.au if you are interested, and advise if you would like the book to be dedicated and/or signed.
You have shown gorgeous Deco buildings in small country towns, built at the very worst part of the Great Depression.
ReplyDeleteI would have assumed two things: a] that Deco was a very urban, modernising trend that would have appealed less to rural towns and more to city sophisticates and b] even if rural towns did aspire to new and splendid architecture, that 1929-33 would have been a particularly difficult time to raise the money.
Perhaps Conargo Shire Chambers was planned in the heady, pre-Crash days.
I know what you are saying Helen. I guess each building has its own story and you find some of the amazing buildings in rural towns. Have you seen the Art Deco in the Australian Bush blog (http://ausartdeco.blogspot.com.au) It has a great collection of buildings.
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