A cinematic vision: the architecture of Howard Lawson Past Event
Public Record Office Victoria presents a talk by Virginia Blue on Melbourne architect Howard Lawson. Blue’s extensive archival research has uncovered fascinating new information about the man who turned South Yarra into the Hollywood Hills with his iconic apartment complexes.
Lawson was canny and unconventional as he worked within the restrictions of the Depression and two world wars. Built from recycled materials, but oozing glamour, his buildings encouraged a new generation to think beyond the suburban quarter acre block.
When it comes to creating livable spaces that satisfy their inhabitant’s emotional needs, contemporary developers could learn a lot from this eccentric visionary.
Throughout Melbourne Design Week you’ll be able to watch the talk online at Public Record Office Victoria’s YouTube page. Virginia will also be answering your questions via our YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.
Virginia Blue
Virginia Blue is an interior designer and recent graduate of the University of Melbourne, having completed a Masters of Urban Cultural Heritage. After delving into the archives and discovering that Howard Lawson’s story was not all that it seemed, she is now writing a book about the infamous architect and the history of his much-loved South Yarra apartment block, Beverley Hills.
Public Record Office Victoria
Public Record Office Victoria is the archive of the State Government of Victoria. We hold around 100kms of records dating from the mid-1830s to the present day. Our impressive collection includes records of immigration and shipping, criminal trials and prisons, premiers and governors, royal commissions, boards of inquiry, wills and probates and much more. These records hold stories of the key events and decisions that have shaped the history of the State of Victoria.