New York photographer Robert E. Coates took this series of ten black and white photographs of the Australian Pavilion at the New York World's Fair in 1939. This was the first time that architects and designers collaborated to develop a pavilion that reflected the state of Australian modernism. Sydney architects, Stephenson & Turner, worked with graphic designer Douglas Annand to create a flowing, multi-level space that integrated sculpture, photography, murals and displays about flora, fauna and industry.

Recently recruited to Stephenson & Turner, John Oldham (1907-1999) became the principal architect of the pavilion. He worked closely with Annand, who designed striking montages for both the structure and the accompanying pamphlet. Although the pair experienced unprecedented freedom in the process, they were accountable to a committee that included artist and publisher Sydney Ure Smith, government representative Harold Souter, and head of the Australian National Travel Association Charles Holmes.

The series of photographs illustrates the key architectural and graphic elements of the pavilion, including three pylons with illuminated photomontages that represented a healthy and modern nation. Also depicted are photographs by Max Dupain, including a large aerial view of Sydney Harbour, montages of tropical fish by Adrian Feint, artwork by Margaret Preston, and promotional vignettes by Dahl and Geoffrey Collings. The physical structure reflects elements of Stephenson & Turner's pioneering work in hospital design, including grey rubber flooring that incorporates directional signage, strip-lighting and a two-tone inlay that denoted pathways.

The English journal 'Architectural Review' commended the pavilion for its mural displays and the involvement of some leading Australian modernists. Its success set a new and creative tone for future Australian pavilions. (Ann Stephen and Philip Goad, 'Electric Signs and Spectacles' in 'Modern Times: the untold story of modernism in Australia', Miegunyah Press, Melbourne, 2008)

New York photographer Robert E. Coates took this series of ten black and white photographs of the Australian Pavilion at the New York World's Fair in 1939. The images illustrate the combined work of Sydney architectural firm Stephenson & Turner and some of Australia's leading graphic designers, artists and photographers, including Douglas Annand, Adrian Feint, Dahl and Geoffrey Collings, Max Dupain, Russell Roberts and Margaret Preston. This was the first time that designers and artists collaborated to develop a pavilion that reflected the state of Australian modernism.

The photographs belonged to Tom O'Mahony (1914-2000) who worked as site architect for Stephenson & Turner, the Sydney architectural firm that designed the pavilion. In 1995, O'Mahony gave the photographs to Philip Goad, Professor of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne, who offered them in 2008 to the Powerhouse Museum.

Photographs (10), Australian Pavilion at New York World's Fair 1939, photographed by Robert E Coates, New York City, New York, United States of America, for the architectural firm Stephenson & Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1939

A series of ten black and white photographs, with borders, illustrating different views of the Australian Pavilion at the New York World's Fair, 1939. The photographs feature views of the travel, industrial and wool sections. Each photograph bears handwritten notes, a typed description and a stamp crediting the photographer on the reverse side.

Designed: Stephenson & Turner; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; 1939

Photographed: Coates, Robert, E.; New York City, New York, United States of America; 1939

A stamp reading 'PLEASE CREDIT / PHOTOGRAPH / ROBERT E. COATES / NEW YORK CITY' is on the back of the photograph.

Please see part records for more detail.

2008/100/1

1939

280 mm

355 mm