Comments on: Hamer Hall: Before the Facelift

By: Miss Doravann Dy

Miss Doravann Dy — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:41:14 +0000

Art is a symbolic of life, which is shown from Architecture’s creative in hard works.
sometimes, I went to Melbourne concert never missed to see the beautiful sculpture by Michel Santry.
I will be sadness, if Hammer Hall’s interiors renovation will be removed Santry’s precious sculpture. Please do not replacing on it.

By: Louise

Louise — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:50:38 +0000

Actually your comments are somewhat incorrect – the illustration you refer to is in fact an entirely new addition on to the North side of the building that creates a relationship with the river, so of course there will not be any Truscott features because it isn’t built yet. Though Truscott was an incredible decorator, he was not an Architect and overlooked issues such as acoustics and circulation. There were even some floors that were missing escalators between them! Hamer Hall is actually heavily protected by heritage laws inside and out, so you will be pleasantly surprised when it reopens next year.

By: John Drew

John Drew — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:03:18 +0000

While the auditorium did have acoustic problems which may be fixed, I cannot imagine the mindset of someone planning a world class auditorium for Classical music without an organ. So much music requires such an instrument. I am also dismayed at the suggestion that the Truscott decor will be discarded. The possibility that the auditorium will be finished in sickly yellow puce tones like the Elizabeth Murdoch hall is a disaster.

By: ceebee

ceebee — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 06:37:31 +0000

Today’s Age article (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/heritage-at-stake-as-lights-go-down-on-80s-icon-20100807-11pi3.html) hopefully will blow the whistle on this disgraceful mess.

After the disaster of trying to remove the Leonard French ceiling from the Great Hall I would have thought the government would have been extra careful but modern architects seem to totally disrespect anything other than their own creations.

To remove the organ and not even have funds to return it …to remove the Arcturis for no reason seems to be just dumb.

Only public protest will stop this abomination.

By: Dr Dufty

Dr Dufty — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 02:20:01 +0000

Dear Adam
Thank you for your great photos! I too am saddened to see some of the changes planned for Hamer Hall. However, you will be pleased to hear that Michel Santry’s sculpture “Arcturus” is now heritage listed and will be very carefully handled in dismantling. At present it is being put in storage during reconstruction and the present plan is that it be relocated within the extended arts complex scheduled to be completed in five years. As it has been explained to me, the present floorspace area is not large enough for the projected amount of visitors in the future. At present, the whole complex is expected be the largest of its kind in the world.

By: Nick Azidis

Nick Azidis — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:45:19 +0000

I don’t get it! – for a country that’s allays looking for its cultural identity… I disapprove with the renovation. looks like a new underground train station or shopping center, rubbish…

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:27:58 +0000

I had no problem with the proposed glass shard, I think it would have been an improvement to the brutalist facade. In fact, I’ve always dreamed of Hamer Hall having a huge copper dome on top as the current roof is a bit bland. However I’m pretty shocked by the interior renovations. Thanks for pointing this out Adam. These interiors are the best aspect of Hamer Hall and truly wonderful example for their period. At least with the National Gallery they had the vision to retain the interiors. Hamer Hall is perhaps more significant to its period. I’m suprised that the National Trust doesn’t have anything to say about this.

By: rohan storey

rohan storey — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:17:55 +0000

The Trust made a submission and we got a tour and to look at the plans, and yes the ground level foyer and the one below will be changed utterly, only bottom foyer to retain much Trustcott. Even teh hall itself will be significantly changed, with the stage area adn the lower half of the auditorium to also be changed, losing (probably) the hand painted ‘sediment’ decoration. I am amazed that Trustcott fans, even his own foundation, have not made a fuss. Perhaps no-one realises the extent of destruction. Apparently its too expensive to re-use the gold leaf, leather walls, marble floors in any way…. ps the render of the interior above is I think the proposed new river level foyer. They dont actually know what the new interiors wil look like.

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:01:02 +0000

Thanks for this great collection of photos documenting this building. I still remember attending the opening concert in the Hall and being amazed at what Truscott had done with the interior. I fear what monstrosity will replace it.

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:40:34 +0000

I didn’t know they were planning such extensive renovations. I’ve always admired the luxurious interiors that appeared ‘exclusive’ but were open for everyone to enjoy.

The proposal drawings look sterile. Goodness, enough of the coloured feature walls already!

I wonder whether the Sidney Nolan series will have a place in this new design?