The Most Useful Art
Mitchell Gallery, State Library of New South Wales, 1985–1986, with guidebook.
Nineteenth century components curated by John Murphy; designed by Spatchurst Design Associates.
The exhibition presented the range of the Library’s architectural collections for the first time in its history, describing the development of domestic, public and commercial architecture by practitioners such as Francis Greenway, John Verge, Mortimer Lewis, Edmund Blacket, Florence Taylor, William Hardy Wilson and Glenn Murcutt.
“The Most Useful Art is highly recommended. Splendidly designed and meticulously researched, it’s one of the best shows in town.”
(Leo Schofield, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 November 1985.)
The Most Useful Art guidebook, showing Richard Read Jnr, Henrietta Villa, Point Piper, Sydney, 1820, likely designed by Henry Kitchen.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, V1A/P Pip/2.
Francis Greenway, Plan and Elevation of the Governor's Stable and Offices at Sydney, New South Wales, 1820.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, V1/Pub/Gov S/1.
Frederick Garling, Government House, Sydney, circa 1845, designed by Edward Blore.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, ML 70.
George Peacock, Supreme Court House, Darlinghurst, Sydney, 1845, designed by Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis, in the late 1830s.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, ML 659.
Thomas Rowe, elevation of Sydney Arcade, George and King Streets, Sydney, 1887.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, PXD 532/ 11-16.