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THE DREAM OF A CENTURY THE GRIFFINS IN AUSTRALIA’S CAPITAL cover images

VIEW OF MOLONGLO RIVER, CANBERRA SITE  between 1910 and 1927  gelatin silver print  (detail)  nla.pic-vn3603884-s4 WALTER BURLEY GRIFFIN (1876–1937)  CANBERRA, FEDERAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA, PRELIMINARY PLAN, 1913  (detail)  lithograph  nla.map-gmod34 inside cover image WALTER BURLEY GRIFFIN (1876–1937)  CANBERRA, FEDERAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA, PRELIMINARY PLAN, 1913  lithograph  nla.map-gmod34 EXHIBITION MAP

AFTERMATH THE REALITY

THE DREAM

PRELUDE TO A DREAM

INTRODUCTION CODA

INDIAN SWANSONG

ENTRY/EXIT

KEY

 INTRODUCTION 

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM 

 THE DREAM 

 THE REALITY 

 AFTERMATH 

 INDIAN SWANSONG 

 CODA  the BuildingofFederalCapital ofAustralia. Engineers, Architects, SurveyorsandOthersInterested in the frontispiece totheproceedings oftheCongress of Coulter’s view of‘anidealfederalcity’waspublishedas Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an5263460 watercolour New SouthWales 1901 An idealfederalcity, LakeGeorge, Charles Coulter(1864–1956) Charles L’Enfant (1754–1825)in1791. original layoutforWashington, DC,designedbyPierre Territory. Thismap,firstpublishedin1792,depictsthe positioned withinalarger Federal(laterAustralian)Capital surrounds, thenewAustralian capitalwouldbesimilarly Emulating Washington anditsDistrictofColumbia Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4195822 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction fromslide glasslantern in theterritoryofColumbiac.1910 Plan ofthecityWashington Andrew Ellicott(surveyor, 1754–1820)

 INTRODUCTION  Walter, likeMarion,returned toChicagostarthiscareer. with onesinlandscapegardening. Graduatingin1899, Chicago, where hecomplementedhisarchitecture classes at theUniversityofIllinois,some200kilometres southof degree existedinAmerica.In1895,Walter beganstudying to studylandscapearchitecture butdiscovered thatnosuch Walter, too,decidedtopursuearchitecture. Hehadhoped to havebeenawarded an architecture degree. 1894, shewasonlythesecondwomaninUnitedStates Massachusetts InstituteofTechnology. Returninghomein In 1890,MarionleftChicagotostudyarchitecture atthe Maywood, OakParkandElmhurst. Hubbard Woods tothenorthandhewestin garden-filled suburbsof Chicago’s hinterland;shein Walter andMarionGriffinwere raisedinthebucolic, 

Early Foundations

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 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  as astudentattheUniversityofIllinois. Walter drew thesevegetationstudiesprobably Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s298 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection pencil ontracingpaper Landscape studiesbetween1895and1899 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) secondary schoolstudent. Walter paintedthislandscapestudyasa13-year-old In anearlydisplayofhislandscapesensibilities, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s390 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection watercolour Landscape study1889 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4190356 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection slide glass lantern World’s ColumbianExposition1893 Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4190358 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection slide glass lantern World’s ColumbianExposition1893 conceptualising Canberra. of theexposition’s designer, DanielBurnham,when architect. Inparticular, hewouldlaterrefer tothework for the17yearold—inspired himtobecomealandscape claimed thattheexposition—anoverwhelmingexperience ‘White City’poisedatLakeMichigan’s edge.Walter later particular day, more than700,000peopleflockedtothe an idealcityinminiature. Theywere notalone.Onone stage. Walter andMarionbothvisitedtheexposition, Chicago’s culturalmaturitybutalsoputthecityonaglobal the World’s ColumbianExposition,whichnotonlymarked signalled byitsskyscrapers.In1893,thecityhadhosted of architectural innovation—most visiblyanddramatically their studieshadalready gained prominence asacentre The ChicagotowhichWalter andMarionreturned after 

Innov ative Chicago

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 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s876 Eric MiltonNicholls Collection gelatin silverprint Store, MadisonandStatestreets, Chicagoc.1903 Main entry, SchlesingerandMayerDepartment Attributed toWalter BurleyGriffin (1876–1937) and Company. it wassoldandrenamed Carson,Pirie,Scott Chicago. Thebuildingopenedin1903.nextyear, Store wasunderconstructionwhenWalter returnedto Louis Sullivan’s SchlesingerandMayer Department Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s900 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Madison andStateStreets, Chicagoc.1905 Carson, Pirie,ScottandCompanyBuilding, Attributed toJohnW. Taylor (c.1846–1918) © TheArtInstituteofChicago Digital file#201006_110711–23 The ArtInstituteofChicago Ryerson andBurnhamArchives Richard NickelArchive digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint Louis H.Sullivan,Chicago,ILc.1900

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  would laterinspire Marion’s graphictechnique. The architect’s detailedrendering ofthelandscape marked adramaticdeparture from aestheticconvention. Wright’s house,builtin1894, H.Winslow William Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3724237 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Boston: BatesandGuildCompany, June1900 from Architectural Review Winslow House,RiverForest, Illinois,1893 Frank LloydWright (1867–1959) gold onadullgreen background’. Pirie, Scott&Co....Thestencilswere paintedin elaborate metalworkaround theentranceofCarson, influence ofLouisSullivan’s ‘suchasthe ornament, he ‘cutelaboratestencils’whichdisplayedthe Elmhurst home.Asoneofhissisterslaterexplained, for ChristChurch, located oppositehisparent’s Around 1900,Walter designedaninteriorfrieze Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3703893andnla.pic-vn3703579 pencil ontracingpaper at Elmhurst,Illinoisc.1900 stencilsrelatingSullivanesque ornament tothechurch Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  substantial landscapearchitecture commission. work while inhisemploy. Thiswas Walter’s first Wright Walter permitted totakeupindependent Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s248 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing State NormalSchool,Charleston, Illinois1901 General planstudyofthegrounds, Illinois Eastern Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) to beknownasWright’s ‘prairiestyle’. contribution tothisdesign,anearlyexampleofwhatcame According toMarion,Walter madeasubstantial Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s663 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Oak Park,Illinois1901 Frank ThomasHouse,Forest Avenue, Exterior viewofFrankLloydWright’s the legendaryarchitect. the sameyearthatMarionbeganworkingfor This portraitofFrankLloydWright wastakenin Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s866 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Portrait ofFrankLloydWright 1895

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  flower species tobe planted inthe school’s In thisplan,Walter recorded the tree, shruband Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s282 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction of drawing c. 1906 Illinois StateNormalSchool, DeKalb,Illinois Plan ofplantings,portion terraces,Northern Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) departure from Wright’s officein1906. This extensivejobfinanciallyfacilitated Walter’s Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3703966 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Normal School,DeKalb,Illinoisc.1906 IllinoisState General planofplantings,Northern Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3701685 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection pencil ontracingpaper H.J. UllmanHouse,OakPark,Illinoisc.1908 Perspective ofFrankLloydWright’s Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s247 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint from drivewayc.1910 ofHarry E. GunnHouse,Tracy,View Chicago, Attributed toWalter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) in herownright. remindsHarold us,Marionwasaqualifiedarchitect Wills 1909. Asthisproject forautomobilemanufacturer Childe Frank LloydWright,in whohadclosedhisChicagofirm (1874–1955), Marioncompletedprojects initiatedby Working forChicagoarchitectvonHolst Hermann Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s266 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Detroit, Michigan1910 dining room showingfountain andconservatory, Residence ofMrC.H.Wills,thehalland Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) lagoon,presagesornamental Canberra’s layout. of theterraces,togetherwithWalter’s creation ofan garden terraces.Thecrystalline, geometricconfiguration

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s214 Eric MiltonNicholls Collection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Tracy, Chicago,19091911 Plan andperspectiveofHarry E.GunnHouse, after Walter BurleyGriffin (1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3701027 andnla.pic-vn3701029 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprints DeKalb, Illinoisc.1906 IllinoisStateNormalSchool, ofNorthern Views American work. Gunn project tobethemost representative ofhisdomestic Australia, Walter toldalandscapecriticthathebelievedthe as acollectiveensemble.Ontheeveofhisdeparture for Walter designedthehouseandgarden forHarryE.Gunn Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s246 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint from garden c.1906 ofHarryE.GunnHouse,Tracy,View Chicago, Attributed toWalter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Griffin’s employ in1908.Heto returned Wright in1911. First workingforFrankLloyd Wright, Robinsonentered document for$25—more than$600intoday’s money. to thelabelonreverse, theGriffinsinsured the ‘unified muralpanel’graphictechnique.According exhibitions, isanotherexampleofMarion’s This rendering, prepared fordisplayinarchitectural Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23594267 on linen lithograph, ink,watercolour, gouacheandpencil William F. Tempel House,Kenilworth,Illinois 1910 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) after MarionMahonyGriffin(1871–1961)and Harry FranklinRobinson(1883–1959) details, workedtogetherintoaunifiedmuralpanel’. building—plan, perspective,section(and)decorative mixed withglueandacompleteexpositionofthe etching andfinishedintransparent watercolours coloured satinwiththecareful outlineworkofan size,18by36inches(46x91cm),on ‘uniform a newpresentationwhichshedescribedas format, Joining Walter’s officein1911,Marionformulated

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  remain onlyavisiononpaper. thoroughfare witheucalypts,would adorned Australian capitalcompetition.Idalia,withits town planWalter designedpriortoenteringthe This rendering, dated15May, istheonlyknown new town—Idalia—incomparatively‘tropical’ Florida. E. J.StatencommissionedWalter tolayouta Around 1911,Chicagoreal estatedeveloper Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s222 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Townsite Idalia,LeeCounty, Florida1911 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23594250 lithograph, ink,watercolour andgouacheonlinen Michigan c.1911 Niles ClubCompanyHouse,Niles, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) after MarionMahonyGriffin(1871–1961)and Harry FranklinRobinson(1883–1959)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s225 Eric MiltonNicholls Collection gelatin silverprint Winnetka, Illinoisc.1913 Model ofTrier CenterNeighborhood, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s223 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Winnetka, Illinoisc.1913 rooms andsalesoffice, Trier CenterNeighborhood, Community DevelopmentCompanydraughting investors andhomebuilders. as Trier Center. Thisbrochure wasprepared toattract discrete neighbourhoods,thefocalpointknown northofChicago.Heplannedthree at Winnetka, Walter wascommissionedtosubdivideTempel’s farm Griffins invested.Underthecompany’s auspices, the CommunityDevelopmentCompany, inwhichthe TempelAlso around 1911,developer William formed Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3702972 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph The NorthShore wins1915 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  was neverbuilt. Canberra victory, however, intervenedandthehouse within themainthoroughfare’s cul-de-sac.Thecouple’s Neighborhood inahomeoverlookingcircular fountain The Griffinsplannedto reside inthe Trier Center Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660276 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph onsilk Own House,Winnetka,Illinoisc.1911 after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660281 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph onsilk c. 1913 Trier Center Neighborhood,Winnetka,Illinois Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  rubbish tip,intoanexpansivegarden. a derelict creekhometoaquarryand valleysite,formerly the designof20dwellingsandsawGriffinstransform Glen communityatMasonCity, Iowa.Theproject entailed commissions, includingthisdesignfortheRockCrest–Rock victory, thecouple received aplethoraoftownplanning After theannouncementofGriffins’Canberra Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3701697 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection heliographic printofdrawing c. 1912 Rock Crest–Rock Glensite plan,MasonCity, Iowa after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  inhospitable stretch ofmarshyterrainon the Chicago River. Thesiteforthe future citywasan founding ofatrading postatthemouthof In thelate1700s,Chicago’s genesiscamewiththe Library ofCongress, loc.gov/item/75693213 digital reproduction of lithograph Chicago, centralbusinesssection 1916 B.Reincke Arno 1899, thefigure hadmore thantripled. million and,bythetimeWalter graduatedfrom universityin early 1880s,thecity’s populationhadjumped tooverhalfa than mostcitiesintheAmericanEastandEurope. Bythe further growth. Chicagonowexperiencedchangesfaster phoenix, thedisasterbecomingacatalystforrebirth and of Chicago’s centre. Butthecityrose from theasheslikea In 1871,thelegendaryGreat Fire destroyed roughly athird dominance. thereby establishingthecity’s industrialandmanufacturing decade, ChicagowouldalsobecomeAmerica’s railhub, the city’s role asamajortradingcentre. Overthenext 1848, watertransportroutes expandedand,withthem, the populationhadswelledtonearly30,000people.In around 4,000peoplecalled ithome.Sometenyearslater, Illinois. In1837, whenChicagowasincorporatedasacity, Walter andMarionGriffinwere bothnativesofChicago, 

Astonishing Chicago

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 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  limestone bluff overlookingthecreek. the dauntingsiteforMelson’s future house,a was themostremarkable. Thisphotographshows Crest–Rock Glen,theJoshuaG.Melsonresidence Of allthehousesGriffinsdesignedatRock Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s365 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin siverprint Mason City, Iowac.1912 A viewfrom thenorth,MelsonHouse, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) travellers wenttoviewthefuture’. describes thecityashavingbeenaplace‘where known asthe‘ShockCity’.AuthorRobertBruegmann By thetimeofGriffins’childhoods,Chicagowas soonthenation—wouldexpandwestward. Chicago—and transportation hub.From itslakeshore environs, continental Mississippi River and wouldenablethecity’s growth asa betweentheGreat Lakesandthe portage a as used first shoressouth-western ofLakeMichigan.Thearea was

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  the wholeprecipice’. ‘stone treatment madeitpossibleforGriffin toclimb As Marionrecollected, theirregular, battered Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s203 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Melson House,MasonCity, Iowac.1914 Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s707 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Iowa c.1914 Exterior viewofMelsonHouse,MasonCity, shaped likealotus(lowerleft). outdoor ‘secret terrace’(upperleft)andthegarden is indigenous cliff dwelling. Here, apartyenjoysteaonan house atopofandintothebluff, notunlikeanAmerican Walter responded toMelson’s property byconstructingthe Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s706 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Iowa 1912 Perspective viewofMelsonHouse,MasonCity, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23594277 ink andpencilonbuff paper Melson House,MasonCity, Iowa1912 after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) or RoyAlstanLippincott(1885–1961) Attributed toMarionMahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 PRELUDE TO A DREAM  would spanthe next20years. Griffins soon developed afriendshipwithFranklin that Life andLabor,co-editedbyFranklinHenry. The appeared inthisarticletheleague’s nationaljournal and Henrysoughtthecouple out.Marion’s worklater oftheGriffins’Canberrawin,Franklin Upon learning Overseas Serials,S331.05LIF in LifeandLabor,February1914 A PioneerinanOldProfession’ ‘Elizabeth Martini,Architect: Miles Franklin(1879–1954) of America. to workfortheNationalWomen’s Trade UnionLeague Australian AliceHenry(1857–1943)travelledtoChicago Australian novelistMilesFranklin(1879–1954)andfellow In 1906,theyearWalter openedhisindependentpractice, Manuscripts Collection,nla.ms-ms681-0-1 Papers ofMilesFranklin gelatin silverprint Stella MilesFranklin1900s Private collection wool Chinese carpetc1920

 THE DREAM  in aconsortiumwithtwoother designers. Architect’s Office,whoalsoentered thecompetition Charles Coulter, anarchitect fortheNSWGovernment supplied tocompetitors.Itwas originallypaintedby This viewofCanberrawasamongthedocuments Maps Collection,nla.pic-an7746418 photomechanical reproduction view lookingfrom Vernon 1911 Cycloramic viewofCanberracapitalsite, Robert CharlesCoulter(1864–1956) Walter LibertyVernon (1846–1914)and onthefutureother information capital’s site. containing thecompetitionbrief,avarietyofmapsand One oftheoriginaltimberboxespostedtocompetitors, Maps Collection,MAPRM3095/13 wood, paper, wire Information forCompetitors’1911 Capital City, CommonwealthofAustralia: Container for‘CompetitionDesignofFederal Department ofHomeAffairs

 THE DREAM  Mount Bimberi. extended some 52kilometres toitsother terminus, Anchored by MountAinslieatoneend, thislandaxis hill summitsof the area andthedistant mountains. linear connection—or‘landaxis’— betweentheinner The coupleveneratedlandforms andresponded toa the Griffinsfusedgeometric withthenaturalistic. physical features. Composedonacross-axial scheme, was distinguishedbyitssensitive response tothesite’s aesthetic principles.Alternatively, theGriffins’ plan to beablankpage,distortingitconformwithvarious Most competitorsconsidered thefuture capital’s site  the sealedenvelopeanddivulgedwinner’s name. At agatheringon23May1912,KingO’Malleyopened Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an24381787 gelatin silverprint The birthofacontinent’s capitol1912 ballroom inMelbourne. House displayed foradjudicationintheGovernment the Commonwealthhadreceived 137submissions,all By thecloseofcompetitioninmid-February1912, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an24381832 gelatin silverprint Houseballroom,1912 Government Melbourne

The WinningDesign

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 THE DREAM  the winning design. North American capitalcitytoillustratehislectures on was themostessential. Walter usedthis slideofthe conceptualising theirplan,Washington, D.C. Of alltheprecedents theGriffins’studiedwhen Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4195831 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection slide glass lantern Topographic mapofWashington, DCc.1901 enduring monument. appropriating thelandscapeasAustralia’s primal, To compensate, tothenaturalworld, theGriffinsturned of humancreation typicalofothercapitalcities. monuments century’s newest nationlackedtheculturalartefactsand The future capitalofwhatwasthenthetwentieth Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4195964 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection slide glass lantern Competition: Cityandenvirons 1911or1912 Commonwealth ofAustraliaFederalCapital Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) continuous chainofbasinsandlakes. a rightangleandextendedtheMolongloRiverinto identified a‘wateraxis’,whichcrossed thelandaxisat opportunity thandidlandforms.Accordingly, thecouple The MolongloRivervalleyposednolessadesign

 THE DREAM  the city’s axial alignments. which relies todetermine uponruggedlandforms Philippines. TheGriffinsstudied thisplancarefully, also plannedanewsummercapital cityforthe Emulating theBritishRaj’s SimlainIndia,Burnham Avery Architectural andFineArtsLibrary, ColumbiaUniversity digital reproduction City ofBaguio:Generalplanimprovements 1905 (1846–1912) Daniel H.Burnham Maps Collection,nla.map-gmod30 lithograph Sydney: DepartmentofLands,1913 Winning design Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4189463 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection slide glass lantern ofCanberrac.1913 View Attributed toWalter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 THE DREAM  and he departed inOctober asAustralia’s Federal Australia. Hiscampaign ultimatelymetwith success restore thecouple’s design, Walter voyagedalone to In July, determinedtopersuade thegovernmentto March, itwastotheboard’s, nottheGriffins’,layout. submissions. WhenCanberra’s constructionbeganin features from theGriffins’ andothercontestants’ Departmental Board plan,atortured amalgamof had replaced theGriffins’planwithgovernment’s distressing, ifnotheart-breaking, news.KingO’Malley months afterwinningthecompetition,Walter received true—or sohethought.InJanuary1913,lessthannine With theGriffins’victory, Walter’s dream hadcome  Canberra design. plan fortheancientcapitalwhenconceptualisinghis Manila.Griffinstudied Burnham’smodernise proposed to Exposition, wascommissionedbytheUSgovernment whohadorchestratedBurnham, theWorld’s Columbian Caribbean islands,includingthePhilippines.Daniel United StatestookpossessionofanarrayPacificand After victoryintheSpanish–AmericanWar in1898,the Avery Architectural andFineArtsLibrary, ColumbiaUniversity digital reproduction War Department,1906 Washington, DC:Bureau ofInsularAffairs, Proposed improvements atManila,28June1905 (1846–1912) Daniel H.Burnham

A NIGHTMARISHINTERLUDE

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 THE DREAM  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4503893 gelatin silverprint ceremony, 12March 1913 ‘Foundation Stones’atthenaming ofCanberra King O’Malleyacknowledge thecrowd from the Andrew Fisher, Lord andLadyDenman and Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3659962 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph andinkonsilksatin water axislookingnorthc.1911 Canberra elevation:Sectionthrough thecity, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Maps Collection,nla.map-gmod92 photolithograph Sydney: W.A. Printer, Gullick,Government 1912 Australia asprojected by theDepartmentalBoard Design ofthelayoutFederalCapitalCity of HomeAffairs Departmental Board, Australian Department to Australiainsixmonths. Capital Director ofDesign andConstruction,duetoreturn

 THE DREAM  youngest countriesintheworld’. not aboveacceptingideasfrom this,oneofthe of theoldestcivilisedcountries are apparently those engagedinthebuilding ofthecapitalone of Canberra’s plan:‘Itisinteresting tonote...that that theViceroy ofIndiahadrequested reproductions At theceremony, Lord Denmanproudly announced Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an7754326 copper, goldandivory of thefederalcapitalcity1913 foundation stonesofthecommencementcolumn Trowel usedbyKingO’Malleyinlayingoneofthe Fairfax &Roberts(est.1858) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s4 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint between 1910and1927 ofMolongloRiver,View Canberrasite relocated tothelawninfront ofParliamentHouse. Stones were laidwasnever completedandwaslater The commencementcolumnonwhichtheFoundation

 THE DREAM  of thecapital’s site. his originalwinningdesignandtofirsthandexperience plan inresponse totheDepartmentalBoard’s criticismsof On hisfirstAustralianvisit, Walter prepared this revised Maps Collection,nla.map-gmod34 lithograph DepartmentofHome Affairs,Melbourne: 1914 preliminary plan,1913 Canberra FederalCapitalofAustralia Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an7852943 tobacco, paperandwood March 12th1913’1913 inscribed ‘FederalCapitalofAustralia, Presentation boxofacigar, cigarettes andmatches Sargents Limited(est.1883)

 THE DREAM  often accompaniedthecouple ontheirexcursions. LePlastrier (1864–1938)andEdwin Cheel(1872–1951) in theoutlyingdistricts’.BotanistssuchasConstance native flora’, routinely keeping‘Saturdays free forwalks thepoints ofthewonderfullyrich opportunity forlearning Marion recorded thatsheandWalter took‘everypossible Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s555 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint 1918 The Grampians,Victoria Attributed toWalter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) husband’s esteemforthenativelandscape. and othernativeflora.Marionquicklycametoshare her place, Walter resolved toadornCanberrawiththegenus that eucalyptsare fundamental toAustralia’s senseof thinking, agreat mistake’. Withthisnewfoundconviction trees inplaceoftheindigenous eucalyptis,tomywayof for embellishingthelandscape...[The]plantingofforeign a newspaperinterviewthat‘notree equalstheeucalyptus with itslandscape.Onlyweeksafterhisarrival,hejudgedin On hisfirsttriptoAustralia, Walter quicklygrew enraptured 

Landscape P assions

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 THE REALITY  Australian Collection,nla.aus-vn570125 T.Melbourne: &H.Hunter, 1914 Australian WildFlowers Euphemia Eleanor(Effie)Baker(1880–1968) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s573 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Eucalyptus polyanthemos(RedBox),Canberra1917 Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)and Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s574 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Canberra 1917 Casuarina cunninghamiana(RiverOak), Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)and Marion likely knewpersonally. whomWalterphotographer living inMelbourne and year theGriffins movedtoAustralia.Baker was a Effie Baker’s Flowers,publishedthe AustralianWild contents oftheirlibrary. Onesuch-related volumewas The couple’s botanicalinterest was alsoreflected inthe

 THE REALITY  example stillinitsoriginalGriffin-designed frame. reproduce it’.Thislithograph istheonlyknown issofierythatpaintcannot The Eucalyptusurnigera find thebarksputtingonan equally amazingshow. ‘In Tasmania where colorrunsriotin everything…we representing themin their naturalhabitat.Shewrote: botanical studiesofAustraliannativetrees andshrubs, Between 1918andthe1920s,Marionmade24 Private collection lithograph andcharcoal onbuff silk sunset, December1918c.1919 , Tasmania,Eucalyptus urnigera ScarletBark, Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) hand-bound horticulturalcatalogues,eachtitledbycolour. height, shapeandcolour. aseriesof Theselistswouldform her ownlistsofnativeplants,indexedaccording tohabitat, was ‘almostimpossibletoget’.Inremedy, Marioncompiled Griffins discoveredaboutAustralianflora’ that‘information Seeking toembellishCanberrawithnativeplants,the Manuscripts Collection,MS9957Box12(Folio1) Eric MiltonNichollsCollection Botanical cataloguesc.1916 Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 THE REALITY  soon accommodateGriffin’s FederalCapitalOffice. Street, wascompletedin1913andwould Melbourne, The QueenslandInsuranceBuilding,locatedat84Collins Simon Reevescollection,Melbourne gelatin silverprint 84 WilliamStreet,c.1913 Melbourne Federal CapitalOffice, Darge(1878–1941) Algernon documentation required toconstructthecity. and bynomeansbeautiful.Theyare, however, thesortof renderings, suchdrawings are comparativelygritty, detailed drawings. Compared tothe finishedeleganceofMarion’s road andplantingschemes incomprehensive working Walter’s staff attheFederalCapitalOffice recorded his today thanitwasfortheadjudicatorsin1912.Bycontrast, Indeed, thevisualallure of Marion’s workisnolesspotent of thecapitaltopersuasively‘sell’couple’s design. Marion created herexquisite finalpresentation renderings 

Making Canberra

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 THE REALITY  Maps Collection, nla.map-nic13 Eric MiltonNicholls SpecialMapCollection sepia diazotype, bluemedia,graphiteandink for thecityofCanberra1916 Map ofparkwaysandroadways planned Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) resolve thecity’s thoroughfare layout. This workingdrawingdocumentsWalter’s efforts to Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3662438 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photostat andgraphite Canberra contoursandlayoutc.1915 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) verso ‘480employees,duplication,pop.4000’. drawing madelaterinAustralia.Walter hasannotatedthe made priortothefinalcompetitiondesignoraworking It isunclearwhetherthisdrawingapreliminary study Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s58 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photostat environs showingstreets between1911and1920 Plan ofproposed layout ofthecityCanberraand Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 THE REALITY  the city’s innerhilltops withdark evergreen trees. keeping withhisscheme tochromatically punctuate within thecity green. Theannotation‘Cypresses’ isin Here, Walter hasshadedtheareas tobeplanted National Archives ofAustralia,CP209-1 hand-coloured gelatinsilverprintonlinen Lake parklandsstudyc1915 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) imbued Canberrawithasenseofpermanence. By evokingthis antique connectedness,Walter symbolically werecontinents joined in a largerGondwanaland. landmass, reflects an understanding that,inprehistoric times,the companion, botanistEdwinCheel(1872–1951). The design bushwalking his of continents wasmadeatthesuggestion Walter’s decisiontodividethenational arboretum into National Archives ofAustralia, AA1966/33,Folder1 hand-coloured diazotype withinkannotations Canberra 1915 Arboretum andeventual botanicalreserves, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) approved thedrawing. left corner, nearwhere KingO’Malleyhasinitialledand layout. Thenationalarboretum islocatedintheupper- parkland areas andalsocontinued torevise thestreet On thisplan,Walter hascolour-shaded theproposed

 THE REALITY  Private collection a commercial commission. These windowswere possiblymadeasmock-upsfor Japanese oakandleadedglass Framed windowsc.1920 set squares, magnifyingglassandT-square 1920s Desk lamp,inkpot,blotter, blottingpaper, paintbrushes, Japanese oak c. 1920 stool, adjustablestoolandopen-shelfbookcase Combination deskandplancabinet,draftingtable Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)and Received from MrsGriffin, 13/9/1916’. /Plan hand-annotated ‘FederalCapitalOfficeMelbourne shown ingreen tint.Itsreverse isrubber-stamped and This plansimilarlyrecords theareas tobeplanted, Maps Collection,nla.map-nic11 Eric MiltonNichollsSpecialMapCollection photostat Canberra: Planofcityandenvirons 1916 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 THE REALITY  plan registers Walter’s decisiontobeginthe city’s This highlydetailed, block-by-blocksubdivision National Archives ofAustralia,A192,FCL1921/490 diazotype withink 19 March 1918 Neighborhood 1,Neighbourhood 2;CivicCentre, Canberra subdivisionplan1—city district: Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) for thecity. Itwasneverrealised. detailed road layoutforoneofthesuburbsheenvisaged Resolving thecapital’s overallplan,Walter prepared this National Archives ofAustralia, A192,FCL1918/1155 blueprint onlinen Canberra: MuggaHeights1917 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) ensemble offurniture for theirownoffice. Combining utilitywithbeauty, theGriffinsdesignedthis harmony alsoextendedtotheirworkenvironment. harmonious interiorenvironments. Theirconcernfor furniture tocomplement their architecture andcreate When aclient’s budgetallowed,theGriffinsalsodesigned 

Designing Furniture



 THE REALITY  Maps Collection,nla.map-nic7 Eric MiltonNichollsSpecialMapCollection photolithograph andink Canberra watersupplyand sewerage 1919or1920 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Calder E.Oliver(sewerageengineer, 1855–1930)and Centre attheCityHallsite. The planalsoconfirms Walter’s decisiontoabandonCivic decision thatattractedcriticismfrom botanicalauthorities. to beembellishedwithAustralianflora—acontroversial planting planfortheCivicCentre. Thethoroughfares were initiatives forCanberra,Walter prepared adetailedtree- In whatwouldprove tobe oneofhislastlandscape National Archives ofAustralia,A192,FCL1923/57 blueprint 29 April1919 Civic Centre tree plantingplan—amendedcopy, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) waters’ orlake. development tothenorthofhisenvisaged‘ornamental

 THE REALITY  in profile almostbehindit. Oak, withGeorge Griffintotheleftoftree andMarion photographer, Walter isseatedatthebaseoflarge River father tovisitthecapital’s site.Inthisview byanunknown Near theendofhisCanberratenure, Walter tookhis Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s254 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Canberra c.1920 Walter BurleyGriffinwithhisfather, George, to asTuggeranong. captioned ‘Tuggernong’. Today, thearea isreferred ‘Arsenal Town’, apartofCanberrawhichMarion This mapisadetailfrom the Griffins’designfor Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s215 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing City centre detailc.1916 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 THE REALITY  on todesignmore than250projects across Australia. Melbourne. Together, Walter andMarionwouldgo practice, workingfrom officesinSydneyand remainder ofhistimewasdevotedtoprivate undoubtedly allofhisheart,to thecapital.The requiring himtoallocateonlyhalfofhistime,but and Constructionwas,infact, apart-timejob, Walter’s work asFederalCapitalDirector ofDesign  Private collection digital reproduction from gelatinsilverprint Aerial viewofCanberra1929 commissioned toextendanearliersubdivision. and thelocationofanavalcollege.Griffinwasprivately Jervis Baywasintendedtobecomethecapital’s seaport Maps Collection,nla.map-nic20 Eric MiltonNichollsSpecialMapCollection hand-coloured lithograph Sydney: JohnAndrew and Co.,1918 Advertising fortheauctionofJervisBayCityEstate of Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Sydney andHenrySheaffe (surveyor) basedonthedesign Walter Bergelin(draughtsman)forDepartmentofLands,

Priv ate AustralianWork



 THE REALITY  a townplanfor Leeton,inthesameirrigation district. crystalline geometry. Thatyear, healso designed Walter derived hislayoutforGriffith from Canberra’s Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660675 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Murrumbidgee irrigationareas between1915and1925 Design oftownship,Griffith,NewSouth Wales: after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Roy AlstanLippincott(1885–1969) architecture commissions. was oneofhisearlyprivateAustralianlandscape Walter’s designforMountEagle Estate,Melbourne, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s219 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph C.E.ScottPrint,1914 Melbourne: Mount EagleEstateviews Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3701541 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph FarrowMelbourne: FalconPress, 1916 Mount Eagle,Victoria Sales brochure forGlenard Estate,

 THE REALITY  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3662218 Eric MiltonNicholls Collection pencil ontracingpaper 26July1916 Melbourne, Front elevationforrevised Café, entrytoVienna Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) with tables,chairs,chinaandmenusofthecouple’s design. sequence ofthree mainrooms. Eachroom wasfurnished Griffins wouldsoon reconfigure intoalinear, episodic commercialportion ofaVictorian-era buildingthatthe longest-established restaurants. Thecaféoccupieda the Griffinsto Vienna Café,oneofthecity’sremodel his restaurateurn 1915,Melbourne A.J.J.Lucascommissioned Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3661926 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection blueprint 15 November1915 Original facadeplanforCaféAustralia,Melbourne, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Roy AlstanLippincott(1885–1969) came toworkastheGriffins’juniorpartner. was marriedtoWalter’s sisterGenevieveand,in1914, 1913, duringhisfirstvisittoAustralia.Lippincott Walter wascommissionedtoundertaketheseprojects in

 THE REALITY  in 1938. of publictasteandthestructure wasdemolished Unfortunately, thecafé’s aestheticwasinadvance far removed from Melbourne’s urban reality. Café Australiaoffered dinersanethereal atmosphere, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3662480 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection from 2November1916 Punch(Melbourne), Advertisement forTheAustralia,Melbourne however, were neverrealised entry wascomplete.Theelectroliers (pendantlightfixtures), In August1916,thedesignofcafé’s front elevationand Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3661892 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection blueprint 2August1916 Café,Melbourne, Vienna Elevation andplan,revised entranceandbar, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Roy AlstanLippincott(1885–1969) had scaledbackthedesigntoonestorey. July 1916,asshowninthisfront elevation,theGriffins ambitiously envisagedatwo-storey structure. By In theirinitialschemeforCaféAustralia,theGriffins

 THE REALITY  huge conservatory. greenery ledonereviewer tolikenthecaféa surroundedferns, thefountains. Theabundanceof foliage,includingnamesake the water’.Ornamental graceful sprayisplayeduponbycoloured lightsbeneath also featured fourfountainsreplete withgoldfish,‘whose derivedfromin apattern treefronds. fern Theroom Room,theoverheadart glasswasexecuted In theFern Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s150 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint between1916and1936 Melbourne Room,Café Australia, Interior viewofFern tinted, amber-ceiling glass,visitorsenteredRoom. the Fern by theglowofsunlight’thatfiltered through themulti- stepped downintotheFountainCourt.From here, ‘invited Departing thenoiseandheatofCollinsStreet, visitors Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3698616-s1 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Collins Street,between1919and1939 Melbourne Exterior viewofentrytoTheAustralia,

 THE REALITY  among waist-highsheavesofrye,barleyandwheat. represented Persephone,DaphneandEchopositioned upon Greek mythology, Baskerville’s life-sizedfigures Baskerville (1861–1930)afterMarion’s sketches. Drawing single figuresculptorMargaret modelledbyMelbourne by three pier-like witha columns.Eachpierwasadorned RoomwaspartitionedfromThe Fern theFountainCourt Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3698616-s11 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint 1916 Fountain Court,CaféAustralia,Melbourne Lengthwise viewofthesculpturaldetailin Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660541 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection 8 November1916 Opening nightmenuforTheAustralia,Melbourne, Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 THE REALITY  and calmofNature makeharmony’. breaking through inpatches ofgoldenlight…thepeace ‘the skystretched withthegrey ofdawn,withthesun contemporary accountdescribedthemuralasdepicting artistBerthaMerfield (1869–1921).A by Melbourne the room featured DawnintheAustralianBush,amural Hall, enclosedbyabalcony. Beneathitsvaultedceiling, The café’s spatialsequenceculminated intheBanquet Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3698616-s5 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint 1916 and mural,CaféAustralia,Melbourne Interior viewoftheBanquetHallwithbalcony Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3698616-s12 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection by three oftheseasons:spring, summerandautumn. individual trees. Eachtree waslabellednotbyvarietybut The oppositesidesofthesecolumnsfeature fullreliefs of digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint 1916 sculptural details,CaféAustralia,Melbourne Interior viewoftheFountainCourtshowing

 THE REALITY  National Galleryof Victoria, Melbourne 2000.53 assistance ofMrNigel Morgan, FounderBenefactor, 2000 Purchased through TheArtFoundation ofVictoria withthe pine (Pinusradiata)andblackwood Acacia melanoxylon) Café Australia,table1916 (1911–1927) H. GoldmanManufacturing Company, Melbourne Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)and Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3698616-s7 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint 1916 sculptural details,CaféAustralia,Melbourne Interior viewoftheFountainCourtshowing character ofAustralianscenery’. unnecessary details,discoveringtheessential Nature halfconcealedunder therankgrowth of shefoundin made. Theartistemphasised‘patterns Bush containstheelementsofdecorativedesign,ready- Like theGriffins,Merfield recognisedthat‘theAustralian Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3696907 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Sydney: AnthonyHordernandSons,1920 Catalogue ofanExhibitionDecorativePanels Bertha Merfield(1869–1921)

 THE REALITY  from LouisSullivan. plasterwork andstairwaybalustrades—drew itsinspiration spaces. Thisdecorativeelement—especiallyintheceiling vine’ wovethroughout thecafé,linkingitsthree main featuring‘triangularfillet, circleOrnament andthorny Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3661286 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection pencil ontracingpaper c.1916 for CaféAustralia,Melbourne Full-size detailofpanelfrom plasterceilingornament Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Purchased 2003 National GalleryofVictoria, Melbourne blackwood (Acaciamelanoxylon),plywoodandleather Café Australia,chair1916 (1911–1927) H. GoldmanManufacturingCompany, Melbourne Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)and Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937), 2003.449

 THE REALITY  by alandscape architect. first examples of anAustralianfloragarden designed today, theNewmanCollegegarden wasoneofthe splendour onerarely sees..Althoughmuchaltered together according tocolourgavehisplantingsa Marion explainedthatWalter’s ‘methodofplanting Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s125 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint 1916 The UniversityofMelbourne Exterior viewofNewmanCollege, and blue’. thereof, suchas‘salmonandcopper’‘silverpink organised byindividualfloralcoloursandcombinations flora. Thedesigndelineatedplantingsinirregular masses the larger campus,inwhichheurged theplantingofnative architectural proposals, heconceivedalandscapeplanfor Alongwithhis College atTheUniversityofMelbourne. In 1915,Walter wascommissionedtodesignNewman Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660084 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph onsilk between 1915and1917 Newman College,TheUniversityofMelbourne after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 THE REALITY  Sailors andSoldiers. Victoria’s StateWar CouncilFundforAustralianReturned 1918. Thepurposeoftheeventwastoraisemoneyfor on15MarchPavilion for‘OurBoysDay’,heldinMelbourne In 1918,theGriffinsdesigned,gratis,atemporaryAmerican Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3721647 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint c. 1918 Pavilion for‘OurBoysDay’,CollinsStreet, Melbourne Front viewofbisonsculptures outsidetheAmerican

 THE REALITY  Terrace at ParliamentHouse. stone canbefoundsetwithinthepavementofQueen’s the CapitolBuilding,too,wasneverrealised, itsfoundation ‘Canberra consistschieflyoffoundationstones’.Although commencement columnnearby, famouslyjestedthat the foundationstoneforstillunfinished(eventoday) to alsomarkthecentre ofCanberra.ThePrince,seeing Prince usedontheday. Thestonewaspositionedsoas projects forCanberra,designedthecasketandmallet Walter, inwhatwouldprove tobeoneofhislastofficial capped edificewastohousetheCommonwealth’s archives. Capitol Buildingatopitsnamesakehill.Theziggurat- VII—ceremoniously laidthe foundationstoneforWalter’s On 21June1920,thePrinceofWales—later KingEdward Department ofParliamentaryServices,Canberra,ACT Courtesy oftheGiftsCollection,ParliamentHouseArtCollection Australian timbers,goldandvelvet Building, CapitolHill,Canberra,21June1920 Wales whenlayingthefoundationstoneforCapitol Casket andceremonial mallet usedbythePrinceof N. ReddingandH.GoldmanManufacturing(makers) Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1939)(designer)and

 AFTERMATH  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3662898 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph between 1925and1928 (Edinburgh Castle,MiddleHarbour),Sydney Scenic harboursuburb,Castlecrag Greater SydneyDevelopmentAssociationLimited they hadfirstenvisagedforCanberra. landscape primacy. AtlasttheGriffins realised theideals to thenaturalworldandlandscapewasawarded promontory. AtCastlecrag,architecture gavedeference and dwellingsintothecontoursofarocky waterside the Griffins rehabilitated abushlandsite,folding roadways suburban communitynearSydney. From 1920to1935, achieved intheirAustralianmasterwork,Castlecrag,a and conservationcouldgohand-in-hand.Thiswasbest remained undauntedintheir beliefthatdevelopment Devoting themselvestoprivatepractice,Walter andMarion return home.Theychose, however, toremain inAustralia. prematurely. Thecouplemighthavebeenexpectedto their long-standingdream forAustralia’s capitalhadended Walter andMarionwere undoubtedlydemoralisedthat 

Castlecrag



 AFTERMATH  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s337 Eric MiltonNicholls Collection gelatin silverprint Association Office,35Bligh Street, Sydney1920s Oblique viewofGreater SydneyDevelopment Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4184682 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction slide ofglasslantern Castlecrag topographicmodelc.1921 Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3699449 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Limited, 1921 Sydney: Greater SydneyDevelopment Association Parish ofWilloughby, CountyofCumberland Plan ofthesubdivisionCastlecragEstate, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3702591 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection offset lithograph Association Limited,1921 Sydney: Greater SydneyDevelopment the finestharbourviewsoffering inSydney Castlecrag: Before deciding, besure tosee

 AFTERMATH  ‘Castlecrag’) are faintly legible. print, the letters‘CRAG’ (afragmentof theword streetfront glazing.Across thebottom oftheCheong the opaquetext thatappeared across theoffice’s used topromote landsales.‘Castlecrag’wasamong The Griffins’designfortheCheong housewasalso Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23594241 lithograph, ink,watercolour andgouacheonsilk Castlecrag, Sydneyc.1921 Reverend CheokHongCheongdwelling, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) cut anddenudedforfirewood. Castlecrag sitewasnotpristine;portionsofithadbeen Reminiscent oftheoriginalCanberralandscape, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4180454 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction slide ofglasslantern Sydney c.1922 ofCastlecraghousesunderconstruction, View windows, almostasadvertisements. Sydney. Inthis image,therenderings are displayedinthe development. TheGSDAoperatedfrom amainofficein Development Association(GSDA)tofinanceCastlecrag’s theGreaterwall’ atCanberra,theGriffinsformed Sydney In 1920,perhapsaware that the‘handwritingwason

 AFTERMATH  diminutive andalmosthidden atthelower-left corner. rendering—even thefloorplanofhouseis an Angophoratree isthecentralfocusofthis Reflecting theGriffins’esteem forthenaturalworld, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s464 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction ofdrawing Castlecrag, Sydney1925 Presentation drawingLot218,ThePalisade, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) object-lessons forpotentialbuilders. Castlecrag, whichservedasdisplayhomesand In 1921,theGSDAbuiltapairofstonehousesat Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660155 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph, ink,watercolour andgouacheonsilk Castlecrag, Sydney1922 no. 1and2,plansofresidences, EdinburghRoad, Greater SydneyDevelopment Associationdwellings after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Attributed toMarionMahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 AFTERMATH  establish aballet schoolandcompany. apprentice withtheGriffinsandlaterwent onto Louise Lightfoot (1902–1979)wasanarchitectural Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3295970 gelatin silverprint between 1925and1935 in theGriffins’garden atCastlecrag,Sydney Walter BurleyGriffinandGeorge Walter Griffin Louise Lightfoot,MarionMahonyGriffin, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s944 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint between 1921and1930 Exterior viewofMoonHouseatCastlecrag,Sydney Melbourne’s CapitolTheatre. continued towinsubstantialcommissions,including Although preoccupied with Castlecrag,theGriffins Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660142 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph andinkonsilk between 1921and1924 Capitol Theatre, Swanston Street, Melbourne after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 AFTERMATH  Savings Bankbuilding. design andcompletedtheconstruction ofthe practice ofH.E.RossandRowe modified Walter’s For unknownreasons, theSydneyarchitectural Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3660262 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection lithograph onsilk c. 1927 SavingsBankofNew SouthWalesGovernment Attributed toMarionMahonyGriffin(1871–1961) the luminouscolourswere continuouslyinflux’. perversely inhorizontallayersand geometrical limestonecavewhere thestalactitesspread overhead hungaceilingliketheroof ofagiant Reclining inhischair, helookedupward: ‘high attended aproduction at theCapitolTheatre. In 1926,celebratedarchitect andcriticRobinBoyd Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s298 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection gelatin silverprint Capitol Theatre, Swanston Street,1924 Melbourne oftheceilingandstageareaView oftheatre, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 AFTERMATH  Provisional (nowOld) ParliamentHouse. Walter and Marionattendedtheopening of On 9May1927, attheCommonwealth’s invitation, Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn4655983 E.W. SearleCollectionofPhotographs gelatin silverprint Canberra 1927 Provisional ParliamentHouseopeningceremony, Edward WilliamSearle(1887–1955) Canberra again. appear foranotherthree decades.Walter neversaw variant ‘wateraxis’—LakeBurleyGriffin—wouldnot so longastheformalbasinsremain un-demarked’.A the ‘longitudinalwateraxis’would‘havelittlesignificance couple’s designremained onlyonpaper. Hecautionedthat 14 yearshadelapsedsinceWalter’s exit, muchofthe Parliament House.Walter visitedagainin1934.Although to CanberrafortheopeningofProvisional (nowOld) own ideas’.Thenextyear, Walter andMariontravelled out evenifitisnot,ineverydetail,accordance withhis takes atrueartist’s prideintheworkwhichisbeingcarried Canberra in1926,hegavethe‘impression ofanartist,who apparently mellowedover time.Wheninterviewedin a distance.Walter’s outrageoverhisforced departure he andMarionmonitored thecapital’s progress from After Walter’s officialassociationwithCanberraended,  Canberra

The Griffinsand  afterW

alter



 AFTERMATH  Mercure Canberra. lodged atthenewlycompletedHotelAinslie,now When visitingCanberrafortheopening,Walter andMarion Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an11030057-65 Mildenhall CollectionofPhotographsCanberra gelatin silverprint Hotel Ainslie1926or1927 William JamesMildenhall(1891–1962)

 AFTERMATH  Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3673622 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection pencil Lucknow, India1935or1936 Section C-D,LucknowUniversityLibrary, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3673657 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection pencil Lucknow, India1935or1936 Half-front elevation,Lucknow UniversityLibrary, Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937)

 INDIAN SWANSONG  architect’s design. constructed and, ultimately, itwaserected toanother Waltermodernism’. diedbefore thelibrarycouldbe and feelsquiteIndianyet isthelastword in Marion distinguishedthisscheme as‘onewhichlooks Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3942589 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection digital reproduction from glassnegative for LucknowUniversityLibrary, Lucknow, India1936 Perspective viewofWalter Burley’s Griffin’s design and MaryAdelineNicholls(1901–1975) Eric MiltonNicholls(1902–1966) color inallthedetails’. local supply to efforts the statuesofviceroys,the despite effectively massedisessentiallyRoman,even to the togas of buildings andseveraldomesextensivecolonnades terracewithvaststone fountains andthegovernmental ‘The longwidewalkwithreflecting canalsandmany in 1935,recording hisimpression inalettertoMarion: En route toLucknow, Walter visitedthenewimperialcapital Asian Collection,BRA1507 11th edition,1910–1912 digital reproduction from theEncylopaediaBrittannica, Plan ofNewDelhi1912 Edwin Lutyens(1869–1944)

 INDIAN SWANSONG  they visitedmore thanfourdecadesearlier. Griffins’ memoriesofthe World’s Columbian Exposition temporary exhibitionpavilions, harkingbacktothe This project entailedthedesignofaround 50 Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s470 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Lucknow, India1936 United Provinces Exhibition,IndustryandAgriculture, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961) death, thebuildingwasdemolishedin1990s. Griffins’ Indianprojects. Completed shortlyafter Walter’s newspaper wasthelargest andmostsubstantialofthe The officeandprintingworksforthePioneerPress Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884-s463 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Lucknow, India1936 Perspective viewofPioneerPress building, after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 INDIAN SWANSONG  portray Canberra. elevation, agraphictechniqueshefirstusedin1911to Here, Marionhasdepicted theexpositioninacontinuous Pictures Collection,nla.pic-vn3603884a-s233 Eric MiltonNichollsCollection photographic reproduction ofdrawing Elevation ofLucknowExhibition,India1936 after Walter BurleyGriffin(1876–1937) Marion MahonyGriffin(1871–1961)

 INDIAN SWANSONG  about adecadelater. memoirs, TheMagicofAmerica , whichshefinished She nowdevotedherselftowritinghervoluminous absence, MarionwasbackinhernativeChicago. departed Australia.ByJanuary1939,aftera25-year This photographwastakenaround thetimeMarion Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23379384 gelatin siverprint Portrait ofMarionMahonyGriffinc.1935 of Australia. plan’ isnowheldbytheNationalArchives ‘original The reasons unknown,thedecision wasmadetoremove both. time ofthecompetition’.Atsomepointafterwards andfor Parliament Housealongsidetheoriginalplanbyhimat In May1937,itwashangingin‘thebasementat[Old] donated thisportraittotheNationalLibraryofAustralia. ofWalter’sUpon learning deathin1937, AliceHenry Pictures Collection,nla.pic-an23137769 gelatin silverprint Walter BurleyGriffin,designerofCanberrac.1912

 CODA  would havelikedtheplace. other thanMarion,whotoldMoirthatherlatehusband himself. Themysteryphotographerproved tobenone his recently completedhouse, whichhehaddesigned (1903–1971) noticedawomanatthekerbphotographing One dayin1937, Canberraarchitect MalcolmMoir Private collection digital reproduction ofgelatinsilverprint Avenue,43 Melbourne Forrest, Canberra1937

 CODA 