Saturday 7 January 2012

Weekend Reflections - Jostling for supremacy


On George Street, a block down from the town hall, the old and the new jostle for supremacy. The new is represented by the concrete, glass and aluminium of the Hilton Hotel (c. 1970). The old is represented by the sandstone, glass and copper of the Queen Victoria Building (c. 1898).

You realise, of course, that those dates are meaningless as both buildings have had extensive make-overs through the years, both inside and out. The QVB maintains its original appearance more so than does the Hilton. However, inside the Hilton is the 1893 Marble Bar, which, although maintaining its 'scaffolding' has also had a nip here, and a tuck there.

That is what cities do: they metamorphose to meet the needs of commerce.


This is a Weekend Reflections contributiom.

18 comments:

Gemma Wiseman said...

O the memories this brings back! I used to go the the Queen Vic when the library was extensive there! Glad to see that the exterior is so well preserved!

Love the old new melting together in this reflection! Glorious lighting!

Jim said...

Great seeing the old reflected in the new.

Valerie said...

Wonderful images Julie and yes, they are a true "reflection" (pardon the pun!) of our constantly changing times and surroundings. Have a great weekend.
(Apologies if this is a duplicate comment - got confused by the Facebook comment box!)

Carole M. said...

both these photographs fantastic.

Sylvia K said...

I do love your captures for the day, Julie! I agree with J Bar, fun seeing the old reflected in the new! Terrific! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Sylvia

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Wonderful shots, Julie. I always love taking photos of QVB when visiting Sydney.

Kay L. Davies said...

Fabulous reflection, my friend, I love how the deep blue of the sky found its way in there.
K

Peter said...

Well setup reflection, especially using that plate HH glass.

raf said...

Marvelous reflection post, Julie. Striking image of the QVB detail.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Not only a juxtaposition of old and new. Inside and outside get a little jostled here too. Either way, the image compels the eye to explore a while.

Carolyn Ford said...

old blending in with the new is quite nostalgic! beautiful captures!!!

Gine said...

Très beau cadrage, bien souligné !

Joan Elizabeth said...

Yes both buildings have had a face lift and both for the better. It is much nicer to see them reworked rather than remade and also much nicer that they are in use rather than being empty shells. Was travelling through a country town today and the old general store which was a nice antique shop now empty. There is nothing kills the spirit of town faster than the shops staring blankly in the street.

Julie said...

Joan, there are parts of Oxford Street like this. 'For Lease' and 'For Sale' signs galore, and shops staring blankly into the street.

brattcat said...

i've left an answer for you back at my blog. and thanks for the link to perth. what a great sight.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

good thing you don't have earth quakes and you can keep all your old buildings, or keep the facade.

Rae Walter said...

Fabulous capture of the reflections and city change Julie.

TheChieftess said...

Very nice reflections shot!!! Unusual!!!