To mark the centenary of the federation of Australian and by way of celebration of the close historical and cultural links which exist between Australia and the United Kingdom the UK proposed that a Magna Carta Monument to be erected in Canberra “as a commemoration of Freedom under the Law”. Continue reading “Magna Carta Place and Monument”
This is the only piece of statutory in Canberra which falls into the category of bold, imposing and larger than life pieces, befitting of Empire. Continue reading “King George V Memorial – View Spoiler?”
While a self proclaimed Embassy this assortment (varies in size) of tents and caravans is an Embassy in name only and is rather an ongoing Aboriginal protest. It has no diplomatic status. Continue reading “Aboriginal Tent Embassy”
Libraries are not typically on my list of must dos when I visit somewhere but this one, Australia’s largest with approximately 10 million items comprising books, journals, newspapers, archives, manuscripts, pictures, photographs, musical scores, maps, websites and oral history and folklore recordings in its collection, is different somehow. Continue reading “National Library of Australia – Real Treasure Here”
In June 2012 the local government finally (after a year of deliberations!) gave the green light permitting the use of segways in and around Lake Burley Griffin. They are not permitted on public roads. Now, (in 2017), as I update this review the story remains the same. Continue reading “Segways – Zoom Around the Lake”
How many of the flags can you identify? How about the kids, can they get more right than you? I have to admit I did not get them all right. Continue reading “International Flag Display – Ok. Quiz time”
The latest addition to the Parliamentary prescient and located next to the High Count of Australia and the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery was opened in 2008. In contrast to the High Court I find this building (as opposed to the art therein) more appealing on the outside than on the inside – the latter being rather pedestrian from a design perspective though eminently functional as a gallery which, of course, is its purpose. According to the Gallery’s website, the “building favours intimacy and connection in lieu of reverence and the monumental’. I’ll let you be the judge if that equates with my assessment of “rather pedestrian” in regards to the interior at least. Continue reading “The National Portrait Gallery – Heroes and Villains”
Two buildings in Canberra rank high in the stakes as being the most hideous looking buildings in Australia – both these buildings are beside each other. One is the High Court of Australia and the other is the National Gallery. Continue reading “High Court of Australia – Admire the Spaciousness”
For me art has got to look good and or say something to me – preferably both. Given this criteria I am generally not seen as an aficionado of modern art and I certainly do not profess to be an expert thereon nor even understand ninety per cent of it. Continue reading “National Gallery – Turrell’s ‘Within Without”
Art galleries can often be controversial and political. That’s why they exist, isn’t it?
One of the National Gallery of Australia’s most political, controversial and poignant pieces is to be found within its delightful sculpture garden, situated between the main gallery building and Lake Burley Griffin. Continue reading “Heads from the North”
The Rambling Wombat 