Technical education experienced
many changes during this life of the building. Only two years later
the building behind the Gallery was added to provide more class space.
If you look closely at the brickwork of the two buildings, it is clear
that they were to be eventually joined by a walkway.
Of course, the history of buildings
within central Maitland is not complete unless mention is made of the
1955 Maitland flood. The Maitland Technical College was closed for three
weeks following the disaster.
The flood destroyed most of
the College records and ruined the relatively new addition, the Technological
Museum. Twenty-two showcases were smashed and at least half of the exhibits
were destroyed. The Museum was abandoned and
most of the remaining exhibits were sent to be included in the Sydney
Museum of Applied Arts and Science.
The main building at the front
of the site which now houses the Gallery is not only vitally important
because of its role in technical education. Architecturally, it is one of
the most significant buildings in Maitland and, in fact, it has features
which are of great importance statewide.
Designed by the then government
architect, Colonel W L Vernon, the building has a structural system
which is one of the earliest of its type in New South Wales. The upper floor comprises steel
beams and a suspended reinforced concrete slab.
This system was used in other
buildings of the same period, however Maitland Technical College was
one of the first and finest. The detail on the underside of the flooring
in this building is much more refined and integrates very well with
the ceiling of the ground floor.
Another remarkable feature of
Maitland Regional Gallery is the cantilevered marble staircase. The
white marble treads of the stairs with grey marble supports are distinguished
even further by a rare rose coloured Newell post.
Lighting the staircase is an
enormous art nouveau, stained glass skylight. Look up and enjoy!
The façade of Maitland
Regional Gallery is impressive, some say imposing. Built from red brick with Ravensfield
sandstone details and a steep slate roof, the external, visual impact
prepares the visitor for the inspirational interior.
Five trachyte steps lead visitors
into the Gallery’s foyer where Tasmanian Blackwood joinery and
a parquetry Red Beam floor with a border of marble impress. Tudor roses are a feature of
the foyer’s joinery as are the Tudor arches over the doorways
and reception area.
Once inside the main gallery,
Tudor gives way to Gothic. Three massive, late Gothic arches divide
the exhibition space. The resounding impact upon walking
into the Gallery is one of space and light. With a ceiling height of
over five metres, even the two metre wide hallway at the rear of the
main gallery is spacious enough to hang additional works.
Constructed with creativity
and technical achievement well ahead of its time, the unique features
of the building certainly emphasise that architect, Walter Liberty Vernon
remains an important architect in New South Wales’ history. Of undeniable heritage significance,
Maitland Regional Gallery provides a visual feast. Art and architecture
work in tandem and the result is magnificent.
In a display of exceptional
judgment and forward planning, Maitland City Council purchased the High
Street building in 2002 for $1.25 million. A huge undertaking, modifying
the building into suitable premises for a state of the art gallery,
Council ensured the heritage of the building was conserved.
Just over a year and some $500,000
later, the Council proudly opened the brand new Maitland Regional Art
Gallery on 7 November 2003.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery
now boasts a stunning main gallery with state of the art facilities
enabling the Maitland community the enjoyment of touring exhibitions
as well as its own very significant collection of contemporary Australian
art. Future plans for the grounds
of the Gallery include a sensory garden and a café.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery
epitomises Maitland City Council's commitment to its community's cultural
life.
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