Join an expert panel in conversation on the architectural philosophy, design approaches and progressive ideas of Walter Liberty Vernon (NSW Government Architect, 1890-1911). His built legacy includes the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Mitchell Library (part of the State Library), Central railway station and Newcastle Court House along with private commissions and monuments in nearly every town across NSW.
Hear from the presenters about Vernon’s outstanding career as a key practitioner of various Federation styles and the emergence of the Free Style, advocated by the designers of the Art and Crafts Movement.
The expert panel includes Dr James Broadbent, well known as an historian, conservationist and author; Dr Noni Boyd architectural historian and heritage specialist whose PhD thesis traces how Vernon created a more informal public architecture, 'an architecture for the people'. Discussion is open to the audience and led by Matt Devine, a registered architect with a passion for architecture, design, community, and history. We’re joined by Charles Pickett, lead curator on the exhibition Imagine A City: 200 Years of Public Architecture in NSW to talk about how Vernon’s work was displayed and reinterpreted for a contemporary audience.