The Adelaide GPO building, opened in 1872, takes us on a significant historical journey of innovation, communication and collaboration, establishing itself as an Australian leader in communication with the world via the Overland Telegraph, pioneering with inventions and milestones, as well as distinguishing itself as the very central heartbeat of Adelaide.
Architectural design, interior design, stamp printing, telegraphy, postal services, meteorological mapping and telephony all hold significant stories unique to South Australia’s Adelaide GPO history, offering a rich heritage and platform to draw from for artwork interpretation.
We have a story to tell.
Each space throughout the Marriott GPO Hotel offers varying narratives, specific to the vast and fascinating history of the Adelaide GPO, showcasing a contemporary range of artworks for storytelling, visual magnificence and design integrity.
A ‘Narrative Umbrella’, brings together the hotel art collection and relevant themes which summarise the history of the Adelaide GPO in all aspects.
CONNECTION INCLUSION COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION INNOVATION COLLABORATION
The Adelaide GPO’s significant and unique history is showcased throughout the hotel in several ways, a direct representation of story with framed historical photographs, as well as local artists’ interpretation in contemporary form of sculpture, painting, photography and ceramics, referencing the GPO history and story, enriched with a First Nations Welcome of significant storylines to South Australia.
An extensive collection of historical photographs feature in the Restaurant, courtesy of The State Library of South Australia and Martin Walker’s private collection.
A special thank you to Richard Venus, historical advisor for the duration of the project.
The goal was to exclusively enlist local artists to represent the rich Adelaide GPO’s story in every artwork with intention, purpose and integrity and present all works refined and integrated within the interior aesthetics of a luxury hotel.
A small team of local Adelaide artists were appointed for this extensive project. Artists gathered as a whole team for months to discuss the overall direction and concepts. This approach was intentional for a cohesive delivery of artwork, with ideas formed, collaborations developed, extensive research with local historical advisor Richard Venus, numerous sketches, 3D models, hundreds of conversations, many onsite visits, sourcing of materials and refinement of design, creating and manufacturing to delivery.
Jason Porter, Karl Meyer and Exhibition Studios, Warren Pickering, Dan Tomkins, Sandra Pumani Letitia Downes, Shane Connery