Remnants / Poster Walk

Remnants is a series of photographic works and material pressings observing the time-worn beauty of 'boom-style' architecture throughout regional Victoria. The series explores the effects of time on architecture and a sense of faded grandeur.

‘Boom-style’, a period of wealth-injected architecture, is characterised by its use of ornamentation and exuberance and was popular throughout central Victoria during the late 19th century alongside the newfound prosperity from goldmining. The heritage details of this bygone era are recorded using malleable porcelain and copper sheets pressed into key areas from four 'boom-style' buildings in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Clunes. The small pressings are captured on analogue film - first as fragments within their architectural context and then as objects isolated from their original settings. Together, the images and the objects, express an intimate experience of material and history, becoming modern-day relics of the era.

Presented on posters throughout the streets of inner-Melbourne, the images challenge how we view 'forgotten' or 'lost' spaces. They become remnants of history that allow for a renewed sense of connection to and appreciation for the architecture of the past.

Remnants is presented as part of Craft Contemporary 2023 – our annual festival celebrating craft practice today. The exhibition is supported by Plakkit.

Craft and the artists acknowledge and extend deep respects to the custodians of the land on which Remnants explores, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people of the Kulin Nations. Craft and the artists recognise their Elders past and present and their ongoing care for Country and community.

Featured architectural buildings include:
Former Clunes Post Office, 102 Bailey St, Clunes VIC 3370
Former Commercial Bank, 11 View Point Bendigo, VIC 3550
Former Imperial Hotel, 56 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine, VIC 3450
The Beehive Building (Former Bendigo Mining Exchange) 18-26 Pall Mall, Bendigo VIC 3550


Image: Henry Trumble