The State Library of Queensland (in Brisbane, Australia), will be hosting a two-month-long exhibition on the Big Things of Queensland, based upon my research. I am honoured to be part of the curatorial team for this exhibition, and look forward to sharing more soon about the special events that will take place. Read more here.
Why study the Arts / Humanities?
We have devalued and derided the Bachelor of Arts (and related degrees) for too long. Here is a selection of sources that testifies to the social and economic value of Arts/Humanities degrees, and to the usefulness of these qualifications for individuals in the workforce: Susan Forde, "If the Government Listened to Business Leaders, They Would … Continue reading Why study the Arts / Humanities?
Dr Amy Clarke on Imagine This!
The lovely folk at Lifestyle Channel have included me as one of their regular expert presenters on a new show, hosted by Deborah Hutton and Lochie Daddo, called Imagine This! I'm appearing as the resident heritage/history buff, and have had a great time talking about things ranging from the history of tennis, the Royal Edinburgh … Continue reading Dr Amy Clarke on Imagine This!
Got a Big Tip?
Do you have a tip about a 'Big Thing' somewhere in Australia? Help me out - send me the info!
Big Things get even Bigger…
I wrote this piece for The Conversation, published this morning: Australia's 'Big Problem' - What To Do With Our Ageing Super-sized Statues? Australians have been fascinated by “Big Things” since the 1960s, when statues such as Adelaide’s Big Scotsman and the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour were opened to great fanfare. These super-sized structures can … Continue reading Big Things get even Bigger…
Australia’s ‘Big Things’
Once again, Australia's collection of 'Big Things' has attracted the attention of international journalists (Phil Mercer, Australia's obsession with 'big things', BBC News, 20 June 2017). If you want a more detailed take on this phenomenon, next week at the Society of Architectural Historians Australia & New Zealand annual conference (University of Canberra, 5-8 July), … Continue reading Australia’s ‘Big Things’
Will the death of ‘starchitect’ Zaha Hadid bring life to more of her designs?
I wrote a piece for The Conversation over the weekend: Zaha Hadid built a career that was both celebrated and divisive. At the time of her death last week, Hadid, 65, had achieved an array of professional accolades including the Pritzker Prize (2004) and RIBA Gold Medal (2015). But she was also caught up in controversies over major projects … Continue reading Will the death of ‘starchitect’ Zaha Hadid bring life to more of her designs?
Heritage Sites of Prominent Scientists: East Canada Edition
Over the past few weeks I've been travelling around parts of eastern Canada for research relating to my PhD. At the same time, I've been trying to visit as many local heritage sites as I can, ranging from the fantastic Louisbourg to the equally well interpreted Dundurn Castle. What has quickly become apparent, however, is … Continue reading Heritage Sites of Prominent Scientists: East Canada Edition
Divorced heritage
her·it·age noun /ˈheritij/ heritages, plural Property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, unspoiled countryside, and historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations A special or individual possession; an allotted portion Heritage. It is a term that can be a weapon, a drawcard, a … Continue reading Divorced heritage
Bank of New South Wales, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
One of my favourite buildings in Brisbane, the former Bank of New South Wales Building is now home to a modern Australian bank but shows minimal signage on the exterior. The buildings pictured in the far left of this picture line the pedestrianized Queen Street Mall - many of these lovely buildings exist in facade … Continue reading Bank of New South Wales, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
