Sunday 12 January 2020

Commonwealth Bank, sculpture

This sculpture is on the facade of the heritage listed Commonwealth Bank Building, bounded by George Street, Market Street and York Street. This sandstone panel by Gerald Lewers on the York Street facade was created in 1956, the same year that the building was completed. It symbolises the Federation of Australia's six states, with state symbols which also appear in the Australian coat of arms: Western Australia - black swan, South Australia piping shrike, Victoria - Southern Cross, Tasmania - lion passant, New South Wales - St. George's cross and stars, Queensland - Maltese cross.

8 comments:

  1. This has many elements in the sculpture - stars, crosses, ellipses and more. Along with shadows, it is an eye catching bank to the passerby!

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  2. I love it. I am not sure what it means but I like it.

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  3. Cool! The sculpture looks very sharp and Deco-ish, doesn't it? 1956 is a big late for Deco, but since the site of the bank was bought just before WW2 started, they stuck to their original plans in the post-WW2 era.

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    1. Hels, the heritage register describes the building style as Post-War International.

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  4. Can't figure out all the elements of the sculpture, but it looks nice. Thanks for participating Jim.

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    1. Yes, I'm unsure about it all but I think the elements across the middle represent the symbols of Australia's six states as seen in the coat of arms: Western Australia black swan, South Australia piping shrike, Victoria Southern Cross, Tasmania lion, NSW cross of St. George and stars, Queensland Maltese cross.

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  5. What a wonderful way to honor all parts of the country.

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