Symposium | Hardy Wilson and the Colonial Imagination

Join us for our symposium, Hardy Wilson and the Colonial Imagination. 
This symposium is part of a series of events linked to the exhibition Hardy Wilson’s Old Colonial Architecture 1924-2024.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the publication of Hardy Wilson’s Old Colonial Architecture in New South Wales and Tasmania, this one-day symposium will consider Hardy Wilson and his legacy. 

While Wilson’s reputation has been the subject of significant revision and his ideas sharply criticised, his best-known book remains a vital reference point in the story of Australian architectural publishing and one of only a handful of books that are absolutely essential to understanding the field of architectural history in this country. Join us to discuss the long life of the book, reflect on its author and consider the status of the buildings it illustrates.

Date: Friday, 20th of September, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: Fisher Library, level 2

Draft Program
10:00am Welcome – Cameron Logan

10:15am Books as Architectural Culture – Andrew Leach

10:45am Opening the Cases: A tour of the exhibition – Hector Abrahams

11:45am Remembering Hardy Wilson – Louise Cox, Diana Wilson, Philip Cox

12:30pm Lunch

1:30pm Wilson’s Architecture: Eryldene and Beyond – Bob Moore

2:00pm Wilson as Representative Image for Australian Heritage – Rosie Baker

2:30pm The Colonial House: Old Myths, New Knowledge – Stephen Gapps/Cameron Logan

3:00pm Afternoon Tea

3:30pm Panel Discussion – Wilson and Architecture Today: Climate, History,  Design – Julie Willis, Hector Abrahams & Daniel Ryan – moderated by Cameron Logan

4:30pm Refreshments

This event may be photographed and/or filmed for promotional and documentation purposes.
If you have concerns regarding this, please approach our staff. Your comfort and privacy are important to us.