A look back into architectural history is coming next month, with nationally acclaimed architect and Williamstown resident Phyllis Constance Murphy [née Slater] showcasing a curation of rare wallpaper samples from her personal collection.
Hobsons Bay council is hosting the ‘Off the Wall’ exhibition on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 from 2pm to 7pm and Sunday, December 4 from 11am to 3pm at The Chamber at Williamstown Town Hall.
Mrs Murphy and her late husband John designed a number of buildings in Victoria, including the Olympic Swimming Stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games, now known as the AIA Centre, and were involved in the preservation of a number of historic buildings for the National Trust of Australia.
Born in 1924, Mrs Murphy studied at the Melbourne University Architectural Atelier and the University of Melbourne.
The British journal The Architectural Review featured her and her husband’s work on residential developments, with the pair completing more than 50 modern houses by 1960.
Mrs Murphy was also involved in designs of buildings at a number of schools and a television station in Shepparton.
In addition to her architectural work, she has also become nationally renowned for her knowledge on historic wallpaper design and restoration.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the council is fortunate to be able to showcase some of Mrs Murphy’s wallpaper collection.
“Phyllis’ collection is an incredible step back in time that tells us so much about the people that have come before us – their personalities, how they lived and the trends and style of the eras they lived in,” he said.
“These are bold, beautiful pieces of art.
“The opportunity to see exhibition is unique so I encourage everyone to come and experience it.”
