mid-century on show

Photographs of Melbourne’s mid-century architecture will be on display for the first time in a free exhibition opening on 1 December 2018 at State Library Victoria. Peter Wille: Out Driving will feature small and large scale reproductions from the Library’s collection of more than 6,000 colour slides by architectural draughtsman, design enthusiast and amateur photographer Peter Wille.
The exhibition will showcase a period of experimental design – from post-war austerity to the height of modernism – featuring the groundbreaking work of architects including Robin Boyd, Peter McIntyre, Kevin Borland, and John and Phyllis Murphy.
Exhibition curator Eve Sainsbury said the exhibition would explore how the types of buildings in four areas of Melbourne reflect their environment. Suburbs will include South Yarra and Toorak in the south east, Kew in the east, Beaumaris, Aspendale and Frankston in bayside, and the outer suburbs of Eltham and Warrandyte.
“These images give a unique and candid insight into a period of pioneering Australian architecture,” Ms Sainsbury said.
“Wille’s passion for design is evident in his dedication to amassing this significant survey of Melbourne’s mid-century buildings. Setting out with just his car and his camera, Wille captured almost two decades of design and social history.”
The free exhibition will be open daily, at the State Library Victoria.