Steps, Shadow & Time - The Grand Staircase - QVB - The HDR Experience

Philip Johnson

Steps, Shadow & Time - The Grand Staircase - QVB - The HDR Experience

MUCH BETTER VIEWING EXPERIENCE VIEWED LARGER

Thanks for dropping in your viewings,comments and if i’m lucky FAVOURITES are greatly appreciated.

The Queen Victoria Building is currently undergoing a facelift at $37.5
million , one of the features is upgrading the paintwork to victorian period colours.

This image shows “The Grand Staircase of Sydneys Grand Queen Victoria Building, and is an example of how grand old buildings can be restored ans still be used as money making concerns, in this case a grand shopping experience

The Queen Victoria Building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists – in a worthwhile project. Originally, a concert hall, coffee shops, offices, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople, such as tailors, mercers, hairdressers and florists, were accommodated.

The QVB fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets. The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper- sheathed dome. Glorious stained glass windows and splendid
architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th century staircase sits alongside the dome. Every detail has been faithfully restored, including arches, pillars, balustrades and the intricate tiled floors thus maintaining the integrity of the building.
The visual message of Sydney’s coat of arms, on the cartwheel stained glass window, is that the beehive depicts business, the sailing ship – trade, and the dolphins – the harbour. Panel 1, on the left hand side, represents the Council of the City of Sydney, and symbols of architecture, while the letters I.G.B. on panel 3, on the right, represent Ipoh Gardens Berhad, the Malaysian company who restored the QVB.

The symbols are of property developers – the builders. The bottom central panel represents the heraldic symbol of a finished building and the joining of two hands denotes the fusing of two cultures. There are many interesting and charming exhibitions and attractions throughout the building, along with portraits of the Queen. There is also a letter from Queen Elizabeth II to the Citizens of Sydney to be opened and read by the Lord Mayor of Sydney in the year 2085. Outside the QVB, on Town Hall Place, facing The Town Hall are the Royal Wishing Well and Queen Victoria’s statue.

For More Information : http://www.ipoh.com.au/IPOH/QVB/me.get?site.sectionshow&PAGE134

Equipment – Nikon D300 Sigma 10-20mm lens
Technique : HDR 5 Bracketted images

See Also

Steps, Shadow & Time - The Grand Staircase - QVB - The HDR Experience belongs to the following groups:

All Around the Styles, Architectural Photography, Art from the Workplace, Australian Contemporary Photography, Australian Landmarks and Icons, Bits and Pieces , Black and White Photography, DSLR Users Only - 1/24 - Camera & Lens In Description Please., Friends of Bangor and North Down Camera Club, Northern Ireland, Heritage Listed and Other Trusts Sites World Wide, New South Wales Photography, Safe Haven, Shameless Self-Promotion, Stairs and Staircases, Style! Class! Elegance! Excellence!, Sydney, Sydney's Guide to Exhibitions, UK to Australia and Back, Unlimited Quality, Who are YOU to Judge? and Who Needs Color For Beauty? - Black & White Art At Its Best Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

Steps, Shadow & Time - The Grand Staircase - QVB - The HDR Experience by Philip Johnson
Steps, Shadow & Time - The Grand Staircase - QVB - The HDR Experience by Philip Johnson
  • tantricpark182

    tantricpark182

    this is awesome! i really wish they still built things this way. building design now a days is so boring by comparison. great shot!

  • Philip Johnson replied

    that T , yes it is a shame , it shows the importance of saving these treasures when buildings were built to last. There are still buildings out there taht need saving

  • Fremme

    Fremme

    Now this is stunning, wow, great perspective, awesome treatment, so much caracter and great details back then and you show it so very well, great job

  • Lois  Bryan

    Lois Bryan

    Philip!!!! you KNOW I’m scared to death of heights!!!!!! HAHAHH!!!! If I were here … right here … my knees would be knockin’!!!!!! I’d have to kick off my heels and creep down, hands on the rails … TOOOOO COOOL!!! Just the MOST extraordinary pov … incredible!!!!!!!!

  • Philip Johnson replied

    lol just try hanging over the banister to get the pov of the image on home page today lol

  • Bunny Clarke

    Bunny Clarke

    This is magnificent! The POV is superb. I would struggle going down those stairs though. Wow! Gorgeous piece you have preserved for our children.

  • Jeff Catford

    Jeff Catford

    Stunning symmetry and monochrome. An excellent addition to your series of images of the QVB

  • Marilyn Harris

    Marilyn Harris

    Fabulous image Philip! So wonderful that this magnificent building is being looked after! :o)

  • Philip Johnson replied

    thanks Marilyn , yes i enjoy wandering around the place capturing various angles, and yes great its being preserved

  • Hannah Fenton-Williams
  • annie curry

    annie curry

    I love this, QVB is my favorite place in town!!! :-)

  • Tom Gomez

    Tom Gomez

    Superb in mono Philip, nice work …

  • Roseann

    Roseann

    Great capture. I like the perspective.

  • joyousmoon

    joyousmoon

    Gorgeous! Congratulations on your feature! Awesome capture!

  • Rosalie Scanlon

    Rosalie Scanlon

    Excellent group of images, outstanding

  • Elizarose

    Elizarose

    That is fantastic! Love it!!

  • Megan Martin

    Megan Martin

    OH WOW! What an amazing view and perspective Philip! Stunning!!!!

  • Scott  d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    fabulousssssssssssssss

  • William Bullimore

    William Bullimore

    Amazing perspective and B&W.

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