Links in the Chain
Sydney Town
Hall & the Collection
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| Links in the Lord Mayor's
Chain
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(Lord Mayoral Chain, 1903 STHC 99-031)
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The highly decorated Victorian interiors of Sydney Town Hall
provide an extravagant architectural backdrop to The Sydney Town
Hall Collection,
a rich and fascinating assemblage of items which relate to the
civic history of Sydney.
The collection
documents aspects of the history of Sydney Town Hall, the contribution
of Sydney's civic leaders in shaping the city and records
presentations and gifts made to the city. Many of these items have
historical links to significant events which have been celebrated
by the people of Sydney.
Together they form links in the chain
of Sydney's history.
Furnishings
The collection
of furniture and furnishings in Sydney Town Hall reflect
the architectural history of the building and subsequent
changes to the interior decoration of some of its principal
rooms. The collection includes some fine examples of local
craftsmanship and design, including the original cedar furniture
from the Council Chamber which was installed in 1883 and
the Lady Mayoress' Rooms which were created in 1908.
(Image: The Lady Mayoress' Rooms, 2004)
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Civic Memorials
Sydney
Town Hall has a significant collection of portraits, sculpture
and
memorials which document the contribution of former Mayors
and Lord Mayors of Sydney. Not only are they an important
record of the personalities who held office and significant
events in the life of the city, but they represent the work
of a diverse range of Australian artists who have been commissioned
to create permanent memorials.
(Image: Portrait of Nicholas Shehadie
OBE, Lord Mayor of Sydney 1973-75
by Sydney artist Judy Cassab, 1975,
STHC 88-341) |
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Artwork
The creative talent
of many Sydney artists is represented in The Sydney Town
Hall Collection. Artworks include maquettes for city sculpture
and cityscapes, including historical and contemporary views
of Sydney. The
on-going program of acquisition offers the city
an opportunity to acquire and display artworks which reflect
the vibrant spirit of Sydney. The most recent acquisition
was of a set of woodcuts commissioned from artist, Bruce
Goold who was inspired by the imagery in the late 19th century
etched glass windows in Sydney Town Hall to create a modern
interpretation of native flora and fauna.
(Image: Cockatoo, woodcut, by Bruce
Goold, 2003, STHC 04-019) |
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Gifts
In the course of official
duties, The Lord Mayor may accept a gifts on behalf of the
people of Sydney. Wherever possible, these gifts are displayed
in Sydney Town Hall for visitors to enjoy. The Olympic Cup,
which was presented to Sydney by the then President of the
International Committee, His Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch
in October 2000, was awarded to the City of Sydney for staging
the "best Olympic Games ever" and in recognition
of the contribution of Sydneysiders to the success of the Sydney
2000 Olympic Games. The Cup is a non-competitive award, instituted
by Pierre de Coubertin in 1906, for distinguished service in
upholding the ideals of the Olympic movement.
(Image: Olympic Cup, presented to Sydney,
October 2000, STHC 04-050)
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A virtual historical exhibition curated by the
City of Sydney’s Town Hall Curator for History Week 2004, 11 – 19 September.
 History Week 2004 is the annual statewide celebration of history coordinated by the History Council of New South Wales. The theme for History Week 2004 is Links in Time.
Check out the calendar of events at www.historycouncilnsw.org.au.
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