The Royal Exhibition Building: Decorations fit for Parliament

Interior of the Royal Exhibition Building

In 1901 the interior of Melbourne's Exhibition Building was re-decorated in time for the opening of the first Federal Parliament. The decorations were under the control of John Ross Anderson, who is also known for the interior design of the ANZ 'Gothic' Bank in Collins Street, Melbourne.

In keeping with the solemnity and importance of the occasion, Anderson chose a sober scheme. The great dome was painted to represent the sky. Underneath are four mottoes suitable for a new nation: Dei gracia - by the grace of God; Carpe diem - make the most of the day; Aude sapere - dare to be wise; and Benigno numine - with benign power. A frieze shows the products of agriculture and hints at the wealth of the new nation.

On the arches are lunettes representing Peace, War, Federation and Government. The Federation image shows Britannia welcoming the six federated states as young women, while the Government image shows Knowledge enthroned, surrounded by figures representing the arts, education and defence. Eight women in draped costumes represent the Four Seasons, Night and Morning, and Justice and Truth.

Under the Dome are plaster heads from the first decorative scheme of 1880. They include an indigenous Australian, a Chinese man, and an Indian. There is irony in the thought that these figures overlooked the opening of that Parliament which quickly instituted the policy of restrictive immigration which became known as the White Australia Policy.

The interior of the Royal Exhibition Building was restored to its 1901 decorative scheme under the direction of Allom Lovell & Associates, Conservation Architects, in 1994. For further details, see the article by Robyn Riddett: 'Carpe Diem and the exhibition of enterprise', in The Australian Antique & Fine Art Dealers' Fair, Melbourne, October 26 - 29, 1995. Catalogue. James A. Johnson & Associates, 1995.

More information about the Royal Exhibition Building's rich history is available in Infosheet 10124 and the website.

The Federation lunette from the Royal Exhibition Building, 1901, restored 1994. Courtesy - James Lauritz