A series of artworks by Perth-based artists Sandra Black, Susan Flavell and Andrew Nicholls have been unveiled at Element 27.
Featured in the lobby of 12 Wunderlich Road, the vibrant and engaging array of artworks are inspired by the history of the location, which was previously home to the Australian Fine China porcelain manufacturing factory (formerly known as H.L.Brisbane and Wunderlich Ltd., and the Calyx Porcelain and Paint Company). The artworks celebrate the buoyant aesthetic sensibility of the ceramics that were produced on the site for 85 years.
Sentinel's Managing Director in Australia, Keith Lucas, said: "The Australian Fine China factory produced many unique and outstanding examples of Australian ceramic wares throughout its lifespan and it's wonderful to be able to pay tribute to and thread some of this rich history back into the community. It’s also fantastic to have another opportunity to collaborate with and celebrate local Perth artists."
Australian artist and curator Andrew Nicholls said: "Sandra, Susan and I have all engaged with the legacy of Australian Fine China, Brisbane and Wunderlich, and Wembley Ware throughout our careers. We were very excited by the opportunity to return to this research and create a new collection of artworks to reflect its historical significance in a visually engaging way at Element 27."
Perth-based artists Sandra Black, Susan Flavell and Andrew Nicholls viewing the artwork installation in the lobby of 12 Wunderlich Road at Element 27
The unveiling of this unique series marks the third installment of Element 27's arts program, which aims to celebrate local artists and makers, while engaging the resident community.
In May 2022, a large artwork projection titled "Porcelain: Changing Views" was created by local Perth artist Sohan Ariel Hayes. This artwork was also inspired by the cultural contributions of the Australian Fine China factory and was projected on one of the apartment buildings at Element 27 for residents and members of the local community to view at an evening event.
More recently, award-winning local Perth artist Ross Potter was welcomed to Element 27 for a six-month residency. Ross facilitated a number of workshops and open studio events for residents and the wider community during his time at the precinct.
Element 27 is part of Sentinel's Kinleaf portfolio. The first building in the Element 27 community initially opened in Subiaco (Perth), WA in 2019.
More information about the collection of artworks by Sandra Black, Susan Flavell and Andrew Nicholls can be viewed below.
Andrew Nicholls and his work, Mid-Century Cake Stand, 2023
Repurposed Wembley Ware and metal components, 53 x 23 x 28 cm
"This work comprises repurposed Wembley Ware ceramics created on this site between 1946-1961. Its comical appearance alludes to the highly-whimsical style of Wembley Ware, and its intentionally-ambiguous relationship to functionality; due to high taxes on purely decorative ceramics during the post-war era, many Wembley Ware designs were given a superficial purpose, (for example, as 'posy vases' or 'ashtrays'), despite being largely ornamental, so as to sit at a lower price point. Hence this work is a tiered 'cake stand' that would not actually be practical for cakes." Andrew Nicholls, 2023
Sandra Black and her works:
Bennett's Mallee Vase, 2023
Slip-cast pink and white porcelain, clear glaze and recycled Australian Fine China decals by Philippa Nikulinsky, 38.5cm H x 10cm W
Candy Orchid Vase, 2023
Slip-cast yellow and white porcelain, clear glaze and recycled Australian Fine China decals by Philippa Nikulinsky, 32.4cm H x 10cm W
Donkey Orchid Vase, 2023
Slip-cast green and white porcelain, clear glaze & AFC recycled decals by Philippa Nikulinsky, 32.8cm H x 10cm W
"These vases are a homage to the colourful Wembley Ware range of mid-20th century homeware designs. The floral decals are a tribute to former Australian Fine China designer Phillipa Nikulinsky’s depictions of rare and endangered Western Australian wildflowers." Sandra Black, 2023
Ashtray Tree / Column, Susan Flavell, 2023
Recycled Wembley Ware ashtrays, cardboard, paper, MDF board, paint, assorted metal leaf, glue, satin varnish, 80 x 27 x 25 cm
"This work references columns, pillars, plinths and shelves that are used to display ceramics. It is a collection of ceramics such as may be found in an archaeological dig." Susan Flavell, 2023.
Flying Duck Orchid Vase, Sandra Black, 2023
Slip-cast pink and white porcelain, clear glaze and recycled Australian Fine China decals by Philippa Nikulinsky 34cm H x 10cm W
Cape Spider and Cinnamon Sun Orchid Vase, Sandra Black, 2023
Slip-cast yellow and white porcelain, clear glaze and recycled Australian Fine China decals by Philippa Nikulinsky, 37cm H x 10cm W
Orange Woolly banksia Vase, Sandra Black, 2023
Slip-cast green and white porcelain, clear glaze and recycled Australian Fine China decals by Philippa Nikulinsky, 38.2cm H x 10cm W
Late-Century Cake Stand, Andrew Nicholls, 2023
Repurposed Bristile and Australian Fine China plates, metal components, 50 x 31 x 31 cm
"This companion work to my Mid-Century Cake Stand comprises ceramics produced at this site between the 1970s-1990s. It highlights the more functional aesthetic of the factory’s late twentieth century output, which nonetheless continued its decades-long tradition of creating decorative Australiana." Andrew Nicholls, 2023
Untitled, Sandra Black, Susan Flavell and Andrew Nicholls, 2023
Repurposed Wembley Ware dinnerware with decal transfers, dimensions variable. Historical imagery sourced from the collections of the State Library of Western Australia and reproduced with the permission of the Library Board of Western Australia.
This grouping of pastel-coloured Wembley Ware dinner, entree and side plates features historical photographic imagery of the Brisbane & Wunderlich / Bristile factory that operated from this site throughout the twentieth century. Drawn from the archives of the Battye Library and spanning the years 1949-1972, the photographs focus on the highly-skilled individuals who created the objects. The dinnerware was sourced by Wembley Ware enthusiast Brad Pursor.
Susan Flavell and her work, Kookaburra on Plinth, 2023
Cardboard, paper, recycled drawings, MDF box, paint, assorted metal leaf, glue, satin varnish, 140 x 32.3 x 26 cm
Susan Flavell has created a mixed-media sculpture based on the iconic Wembley Ware Kookaburra Garden Ornament, and paying tribute to the many other Kookaburra-themed ceramics produced at this site throughout the twentieth century. These include the AB Webb-inspired Calyx Kookaburra dinner service from the early days of the factory during the 1920s, various mid-century Wembley Ware ashtrays, and the True Blue kookaburra plate produced by Australian Fine China during the early 2000s.
Flavell describes this sculpture as "an irreverent, humorous work that plays with ideas of monuments". It was created in response to her bronze Kookaburra sculpture (2003), commissioned for the Subi Centro precinct development, which sits at the end of Laurino Terrace, a five-minute walk from Element 27.
Factory Backstamps, Sandra Black, Susan Flavell & Andrew Nicholls, 2023
Lightbox installation (mixed media), each 61 x 61 cm
The windows facing on to Darbon Crescent illuminate at night to reveal four of the most iconic backstamps that adorned ceramic homewares produced on this site throughout the 20th century, in the pastel tones synonymous with mid-20th century design. Calyx, Western Australia's first commercial ceramics range, was produced here from 1921-1938. However the factory struggled during the depression and second World War, until H.L. Brisbane and Wunderlich Ltd. purchased the site, renaming it Bristile China in 1945. Their iconic 'Wembley Ware' range of 'fancywares' dominated Australia's ceramics industry from 1946-1961, when the factory decided to shift its focus to vitrified crockery for the hospitality market. In 1992 the business rebranded again as Australian Fine China, operating from this site until its closure in 2006, when production shifted offshore.
All photography: Ammon Creative
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