Gog and Magog

With names like that who needs an introduction!? Well I do! You will find their names in both the Book of Ezekiel, and the Book of Revelations, and they are mentioned in the Koran and the Hebrew Bible. You can see these mythical figures of Gog and Magog in the beautiful Royal Arcade which runs between Little Collins Street and the Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne's retail district. Royal Arcade is the 'extension' of the beautiful Block Arcade (see earlier post here) Gog and Magog are kept busy 24 hours a day as they strike the chimes of the clock on the hour so do try and be there to hear their resonance throughout the Arcade.

 

Ding Dong

Royal Arcade was completed in 1870 to the design by the architect Charles Webb who also designed among other buildings Melbourne Grammar School, the historic Windsor Hotel on the corner of Bourke and Spring Streets and Tasma Terrace located at Parliament Terrace on the diagonal off Spring Street and now home to the National Trust. 

Light-filled old fashioned elegance

It is such a light-filled Arcade with some interesting and quirky shops. It has that sense of history where you can imagine the elegant ladies and gentlemen of Melbourne promenading.

Bowen Cottage client comment: The cottage was perfect for our two week stay and the location is great

this one is for chocoholics

Church Street hosts two very important shops if you are a chocoholic. It may come as a surprise but for someone who loves food I can take or leave a chocolate! But for those that do love chocolate you will find The Richmond Chocolate Factory Outlet just around the corner at 133 Church Street (near the corner of Highett Street) It's the outlet for Ernest Hillier and Newmans Chocolates. 

You can't miss it!

The history of Hilliers is interesting. Ernest Hillier was Australia's first chocolate maker and he began making chocolates in 1914 - a cause for a centenary celebration!  I didn't grow up in Melbourne but for those who did one of the highlights of a visit to the city (a big thing in the old days!) was to have a hot chocolate, or a chocolate sundae at Hilliers, their famous old Collins Street store in the Regent Theatre. And if my memory serves me correctly (!) you could buy a yard (for those modern guests - about a metre!) of Newmans chocolates (in a long red box - I think!!) 

A reminder of the past

A feast for the eyes and tastebuds!

All wrapped up for Christmas

What a choice! Fill your own bon bons, bowls or even your mouth!!

There is also a cafe - so stop by for a piece of chocolate heaven. Or pop next door for a coffee at yet another new cafe.

Boutique chocolatiers are all the rage at the moment - from Koko Black Salons (don't you love the addition of salon!) - they have a lovely one in the Royal Arcade in the city. And now there is Pana Chocolate at 491 Church Street (between Swan Street and the Yarra River). Their chocolate is raw, organic and homemade! The first time I noticed it I was driving past and wondered what the crowd in the street were looking at. Well it seems they were drooling at the window watching chocolate creations being made. It sparked my interest as well. So back I went a few days later to see for myself. Unfortunately although their neon sign was telling me that they were Now Making there was not a soul in sight. I popped inside. Still no-one - they must have been busy making out the back. But here is a view of their selection. 

Now making - the lights were on but there was no-one home!

An elegant selection

If you can't get enough of chocolates then of course you should visit one of the Adelaide owned Haigh's Chocolate shops (see my post on their shop in the beautiful Block Arcade here). Haigh's began in 1915 (just after Hillier!) and is Australia's oldest family owned chocolate maker. Still needing more? Then why not take an ever popular Chocoholics Tour (see link here) For a sweet tooth the possibilities are endless!

A bedside welcome at the Cottage

Bowen Cottage client comment: I always look forward to the welcome Ferrero Rocher on the bedside table. It's such a great welcome.

A model Tudor Village

As I am writing this on Remembrance Day 11/11/14 it seems appropriate that I mention the Model Tudor Village which you will find in my favourite Fitzroy Gardens just a 10 minute walk from the Cottage en route to the city. You will find it next to the Pavillion Cafe (the signs will point you in the right direction). 

A little peoples village

It was presented to the "City of Melbourne by the city of Lambeth, England in appreciation of gifts of food dispatched from Victoria to England during the food shortages following World War 2". 

The Pavillion Cafe is on the left and the fairy tree on the right

It's right next to the Fairy Tree (see earlier post here) which is rather sweet so it's a great combination if you happen to have children with you (or you could bring your inner child) and then have a coffee or even a tipple at the cafe!!

Detail from the Fairy Tree

 

 

Carved by Ola Cohn 1931 - 1934 - it is marvellous.

"I have carved in a tree in the Fitzroy Gardens for you, and the fairies, but mostly for the fairies and those who believe in them, for they will understand how necessary it is to have a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures."

Of course a visit to the Fitzroy Gardens must include a visit to the Conservatory (not far from the Pavillion, the Fairy Tree and the Tudor Village). It's always a joy to behold. (see earlier post here)

Sooooo beautiful

Such a pleasant walk through East Melbourne to the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens - it will take you to another world - and it's so good for the soul.

Bowen Cottage client comment: We don't want to leave

Stork nests in downtown Richmond!

Driving along Swan Street - between Hisense and Rod Laver Arenas which are part of the Australian Open Tennis courts (you can book a game of tennis on the famed outside courts) I was greeted by what looked like red stork nests. But of course they aren't! This marvellous 'stand' of extraordinary plants look like they have just popped out of the ground. 

A stand of stork nests!

They remind me of the extraordinary stork nests I have seen particularly in the Middle East including Egypt, Jordon and Morocco.I think they are amazing.

The real thing! (naturephotoblog.com)

Sprouting - Hisense Arena in the background

You will find them opposite the 1956 Olympic Swimming Stadium which is now the home of .... aaagh ... the Collingwood Football Club. 

The old 1956 Olympic Swimming Stadium - you can see the tiered seating design

In any event if you happen to be passing or visiting the sports precinct - which also includes the marvellous AAMI Park Stadium (see earlier post here) which looks like a caterpillar to me and a witchety grub to others - you can't miss them. 

The AAMI caterpillar or witchety grub lit up

They're are pretty striking and rather fun. Standing tall they have just popped up in the last few weeks. I don't know how long they will last before they wither and die but they make an impressive sight. I wish I knew what they were called - do you?

Walk between the stork nests (!) to Rod Laver Arena - the city in the distance

And they're racing - again!

I've talked in the past about my involvement with the Spring Racing Carnival (see earlier post here) so it's always a relief to 'do anything but go racing' at this time of the year! In fact I was reminiscing the other evening with my good friend who was the former Marketing Director for the TAB (now Tabcorp). In my past life the TAB was a great client for my company for over 14 years and I worked closely with Maurice to achieve some pretty great results. Maurice and I had just attended a meeting at our local Yarra Council regarding yet another over-development application and as we wandered home - he to his magnificent Edwardian home in Waltham Street on Richmond Hill - we laughed with relief that we 'don't have to do it - or go - ever - again'!

The boomtime home on the hill (hard to see through the greenery) - look at that gargoil on the roof!

But that doesn't mean that others really love this time of the year because of the racing, parties, dress-ups and much more. It just ain't for me (or Maurice!)

I've written about a well known local Richmond artist - who is also busy 'decorating' the blank walls of Richmond (see earlier post here). Nick Howson has had another wonderful time under the railway overpass in Swan Street (just near the T of Swan and Lennox Streets). 

Swan Street railway under/overpass - near Richmond Station

I photographed the artwork on a bright sunny day with shards of light slashing them through the darkened 'tunnel' - so forgive me for their 'impurities'. 

Number 3 heads off towards Punt Road!

Number 5 looking behind!

Number 7 - working hard (put that whip away!)

Number 9 - flying along the wall!

Do pop along and see them. I have to admit I must have driven past them a 1000 times and only registered on them recently. It's amazing what you can pass with your eyes open and yet not see!

And if you are off to the races - perhaps a bet on 3, 5, 7 or 9 will bring you luck - or not! Enjoy. 

Bowen Cottage client comment: Just lovely to have a home to stay in rather than an impersonal hotel room. So quiet and yet so convenient. The little touches make such a difference.    

The King Sun

Sitting at my kitchen table with the sun streaming in on my back this week I felt that summer really was on its way. It reminded me of a wonderful ABC documentary on one of our national living treasures - John Olsen the painter - a young and vibrant 86 year old. (you can see and listen to him on a short utube video creating it here - I recommend it) It was a marvellous programme. His King Sun painting can be found at 1 Collins Square - which is located in Docklands - along the extension of Collins Street just past Spencer Street. I decided to go and take a look - and how glad I am that I did. It was wonderful.

But first I had to find it! 2 buildings towered over me. I had expected to be 'greeted' by it due to its size - but no. So I thought I would pop into a travel outlet to ask directions (for the sake of courtesy I won't name it!). "Do you know where the huge painting of the sun is?" I asked. I was greeted by a blank stare. "It's was recently featured in a wonderful TV programme" I continued. (I didn't mention the ABC!) After a bit of pondering and with her face screwed up came this reply "Oh you mean that big yellow thing. I wouldn't really call it a painting" she replied! Trying not to look too stunned by her response I received instructions regarding where to find the 'big yellow thing' and off I went!

The King Sun or in anothers words "that big yellow thing"

Shards of sunlight across The King Sun

And there it was in all it's vibrant glory in the foyer of the Commonwealth Bank and Transurban reception area. It was magnificent. And to make it even more interesting shards of the suns rays were touching the surface. The 'big yellow thing' looked alive.

The mural is so large that Olsen needed not only to stand on a series of 8 wooden panels and use brushes attached to long sticks to paint but also required an assistant. He was also hospitalised during the creation. A longer version of the programme and some still photographs can be found here

86 year old John Olsen with cane and beret

I love John Olsen (his daughter is the creator of the marvellous Dinosaur Designs) for his talent and for his enthusiasm for life (which you will see on the video link above) But it hasn't always been this way. A few years ago I read an article about him in which he spoke about life and his 2 failed marriages. And yet he still had the optimism to think that number 3 might be the one for him - at the age of 60! This is what he said:

"I am in the transit lounge of hopelessness, 

ready to rush to Gate 19 for the Flight of Hope"

And I'm pleased to say that a mere 25 years later number 3 is still the one!

Thank you John Olsen for your prolific output of paintings and for giving Melbourne The King Sun. It's worth a visit - as is the Art Series Olsen Hotel in Chapel Street (near the corner of Toorak Road - each room is 'Olsened'!). If you are in the Docklands area (near the Southern Cross Station) then do pop in to see 'that big yellow thing'.

Bowen Cottage client comment: It's been Gr8!!

From Shoe Factory to Art Gallery to Apartments

The story of Richmond can be told through the history of one of my favourite buildings at 10 Waltham Place, off Church Street. I first knew the building as a rather exotic (in its day!) art gallery. I asked an 'old' Richmondite recently what the building had previously been as I had always thought it was a wool storage facility but apparantly it was a shoe factory?!

Waltham Place - 3 storey apartments with 'workers cottages' in the foreground

It used to be Pinacotheca Gallery - which was the term for an ancient Greek or Roman picture gallery. The final show at Pinacotheca was in 2002 and it was then converted - rather sympathetically in my opinion - into apartments. At the time we all thought that 3-storey apartments would be too difficult (all that climbing) but there is now a plethora of unsympathetic 3-storey 'townhouses' sprouting like weeds in this soon to be ruined suburb. 

Perhaps it is worth climbing 3 flights - look at the view from one of the apartments! (hockingstuart)

I doubt that the shoe factory workers would recognise the inside of their 'factory'

Fortunately I was able to use my favourite Google (!) and there I found the history of 10 Waltham Place in the Australian Heritage Database (view here). I loved part of the story. Henry 'Money' Miller (a prominent landowner and politician - nothing has changed!!) built it in 1881 and it was leased to a local shoe maker - John Bedggood (some of us may still remember Bedggood shoes - if I recall they were mainly school shoes in my day!) The factory was extended in 1890. Bedggood was a prominent member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church which is located on the corner of Waltham Place and Church Street. 

The old Wesleyan Methodist (now Uniting) Church (corner Church Street) looking towards the workers 'cottages' and the shoe factory

The seven 2-story terrace houses next to the 'factory/gallery/apartments' were built to house the workers at the factory - harking back to the days of workers cottages in Britain.

A simple workers cottage at 12 Waltham Place

Would the shoe factory tenants recognise this cottage now?!

What a change Henry 'Money' Miller, John Bedggood et al would see if they returned today. 

Pretty Peppercorn Park opposite the workers cottage - gorgeous

One of my favourite walkways

It never ceases to please me when I walk to the top of Bowen Street, turn right (there is no left!) and walk north. Suddenly you come upon a set of rather gentle broad steps that are lined on either side with silver birches and an underplanting of ivy and other greenery. It's such a surprise in an inner urban environment. 

Looking from the top down to Highett Street

Walk down the steps and you arrive at Highett Street - one of the prettiest tree-lined streets in Richmond although sadly it is becoming rather a busy thoroughfare. And then right across the road is the Cottage 'local' - the Kingston Hotel which has a lovely courtyard out the back. During your stay why not try their Steak and Pie night on a Wednesday or their Duck and Pinot night on a Thursday or if you're a trivia buff then it's on a Tuesday.  Of course you can just pop in for a before or after dinner tipple if you don't want to linger!

The Kingston in pretty elm-lined Highett Street

So take yourself for a walk and enjoy this little hidden gem in Richmond. It always gives me pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Looking up from Highett Street toward Bowen Street in dappled sunlight

Bowen Cottage client comment: We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The Cottage is very comfortable and well located and you thought of everything we and the dogs might need.

NGVA - Aboriginal Art

One of my favourite 'pop-my-head-in-and-have-a-look-when-I'm-passing' galleries is at the Ian Potter Centre - National Gallery of Victoria (NGV Australia) at Federation Square. The ground floor gallery just behind the reception area is a wonder of all things weird and wonderful created by some highly talented indigenous Australians. I am particularly enamoured of the Totem Poles which are often clustered together in the first gallery - although the exhibitions are always changing. There is something rather majestic and proud about each of them. They stand tall.

Indigenous Totems - not as tightly packed as usual!

Each is different, each represents a different story

It's such a light and airy space. Of course the NGVA has the enormous Emily Kame Kngwarreye painting in their famed Indigenous Collection and I am also particularly fond of their Clifford Possum paintings but the 'instillation' that stunned me recently was made entirely with wire - it stopped me in my tracks. 

Created by Lorraine Connelly-Northey it is titled: Possum skin cloak - Blackfella Road (2011-13) and it's entirely made of weathered iron, tin, fencing and barbed wire, with wire ties.

It's all wire and metal and much of it is barbed wire - amazing

Lorraine explains that:

It is her interpretation of a possum-skin cloak. The barbed wire signifies the descecration of Aboriginal skeletal remains, occasioned by the construction of an unsealed road near Swan Hill. The circular forms indicate different modes of transport using the road. The fringe of the cloak represents hunters and gatherers whose remains were descerated.  

Up close you can see the metal hands that surround the instillation - a very powerful image

I thought it was wonderful from afar, but up close you see the work that has gone into it - and using such harsh materials - it takes it to another level. My fingers hurt just thinking of the bending and weaving that was required. And my heart hurts to hear the story. I encourage you to visit the NGVA - it's never crowded (sadly) and it's always rewarding.

Bowen Cottage client comment: Bowen is so beautiful, well presented - we had a great time here, it was so good

McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park

If you feel like a drive out of town then just an hour south towards the Mornington Peninsula (well worth a visit as well) the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park is in a wonderful location where you can wander amongst a myriad of amazing sculptures dotted around the park. With more than 100 sculptures I'm sure that you will find some that you love and some that 'just don't do it for you'. But that's the marvellous thing about having a wander and coming upon something weird and wonderful. The setting with its lakes and natural woodland is always full of surprises and there are lots of hidden nooks and crannies. It's a place where you can take and much or as little time as you wish to explore and if you have children then they will be able to run freely, climb on the sculptures, hide inside them or actually enjoy looking at them. There seems to be something for everyone - and the cafe is terrific. 

Here are just some of the sculptures that you will find on your visit. 

As smooth as a baby's bottom and eminently strokable!

The lake, the sculptures, the gallery and the cafe - gorgeous

Strong, powerful and perfectly located

Sweeping valleys dotted with sculptures - those you can see and those that are hidden

Love him or hate him - well he ain't my cup of tea but....I have to admit he is fun!

Nothing like a good climb to get rid of all that childish energy

Make a day of it or combine it with a visit to the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (see earlier post here) It's just a 40 minute drive from Melbourne and is well worth it.