Art in Architecture: the work of Robin Dods
Art in Architecture was on display in the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4, State Library of Queensland from 16 April – 13 June 2011. This virtual exhibition is an excerpt from the physical exhibition.
Hall & Dods, Proposed building Eagle Street for Charles Parbury Esquire, March 1906, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, 27671/50
This exhibition has come about through the timely acquisition by the State Library of Queensland of an important collection of architectural drawings from the Brisbane partnership of Hall & Dods 1896 – 1916.
The conservation and digitisation of the drawings has been accomplished with assistance from the Queensland Library Foundation Partners. Acquisition and access to this collection will result in a much greater understanding of this period in our history and the fine work it produced. The Hall & Dods firm was the third sequence of an architectural practice which was begun in 1864 by John Richard Hall and has continued until the present day under various names, the current being Gray Puksand. Hall and Dods became the most successful partnership of its time, due to the different but compatible skills of its partners.
Francis Hall, who had inherited his father’s practice when only 21, became an astute business man and employed only the best staff. Robert (Robin) Smith Dods, six years his junior, joined the practice on his return from 10 years study in Britain. During the 20 years of the Hall & Dods partnership, Robin Dods demonstrated his outstanding design abilities which put the firm’s work on the national (and even international) stage. Dods’ influence on the practice and on architecture, particularly in Brisbane but also more widely, is now recognised for its accomplishment and rare quality. The exhibition gives insight into the range and volume of work and, by presenting material not previously available for study, will increase both an understanding and appreciation of it.
Digital Stories
RS (Robin) Dods - An interview with Robert Riddel
from State Library of Queensland on Vimeo.
Conservation of the Hall and Dods architectural plans, an interview with Rachel Spano
from State Library of Queensland on Vimeo.
Resources
- Exhibition Room Brochure [new window
865kb] - Search the Hall & Dods Collection
Further information
Last updated: 14th December 2011
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