Queensland: Mackay and the Art Deco buildings

Mackay has an outstanding collection of art deco architecture constructed early in the 20th Century. Art Deco styling made its buildings look different, especially when you compared them with other cities in Queensland.

A look at Art Deco …

The Australian population did not know much about architecture. Mind you, a few knew very little about Art Deco. When you view Art Deco style in Mackay, and gaze back to the 1930s, you with find that it was not limited to a particular type of building. When your pull back the would-be curtain, you’ll find Art Deco has been used in picture theatres, shops and hotels.

Although settled in the 1860s, the majority of buildings in the city centre were designed and constructed within the first three decades of the 20th Century. That’s why Mackay has one of the best collections in Queensland.
 

Art Deco buildings are a popular treat in Queensland. Here’s a part of Museum of Sydney address from the Art Deco Exhibition guide held a few years ago: During the 1920s and 1930s … (the country) donned cosmopolitan fashions. As well as in architecture, this change was reflected in dress and interior design, leisure and lifestyle. Art Deco was the unifying language of the 1920s and 1930s design … was an international phenomenon … its  popularity associated with the booming cities, soaring skyscrapers, and new transport. As Australia rebounded from the Grear Depression, Art Deco was expressed though all types of building … ushering in a moment of consistency and accessibility to Australia’s built environment. – FM.
 

Remember when … ?

Poet Les Murray has his say. If you saw him in the street, he’s doesn’t look like a thinker. But he is. Murray is one of Australian leading poets “and one of the greatest contemporary poets” writing in the English language. He was born in Nabiac, NSW, a village on the north coast in 1938. Murray is a remarkable, iconic poet; one that’ll never be forgotten.

Murray’s favourite sayings: Australia was ruled by poetry for ten thousand years. Prose only became its ruling principle after settlement in 1778 … Religions are big slow poems. While most poems are short and fast religions … A true poem is dreamed and danced as well as thought.

Murray was hopeful that the internet and advanced leaning equipment will encourage young people to read more. “It’s easy, I would just ban the book. Whenever you stop your kids from doing anything it just seems to encourage them to do the opposite.” In 2002, Murray was weaving magic on our young readers. Murray died in April, 2019. – FM.
 

Main: Les Murray . . . always at your service.
 

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