SOLD OUT Emigré Architects in Australian Modernist Design

The years before, during and just after World War II was a time of major global upheaval, resulting in an exodus of people from Europe, many of them designers, artists, architects, and craftspeople. Australia became the new home for many of these émigrés, bringing with them new skills and approaches to design, construction, collaborative creation, and apartment living.

Join us at Walsh Street to examine their European origins, hurdles in their new homeland, and their important legacy. Natica Schmeder will discuss the rise of modernism in Central Europe during the interwar period, as well as examining the reasons the oeuvre of most émigré designers have been under-recognised and under-appreciated. Warren Andersen will present architect Iwan Iwanoff and his collaborations in Western Australia as a case study, exemplifying a collaborative approach, and introduction of innovative construction techniques, materials, and design.

Preorder Warren Andersen’s book The Architecture of Iwan Iwanoff below and collect it at Walsh Street on the day. The book is a comprehensive review of houses, commercial buildings, apartments, and shop fit-outs from 1950 to 1986. Iwanoff unified international modernism, Besser block relief, and innovation with material use and construction to create a unique aesthetic putting Perth, Western Australia onto the global architecture map. Including historical photography, drawings, furniture, lost structures, and unbuilt projects, this book provides a new perspective and authoritative resource.

About the speakers

Natica Schmeder is an architectural historian and building conservator, who has trained and worked in the United States and Europe. Working as a heritage consultant in Victoria for the past twenty years, she has acted as an expert witness at a number of Planning Panel hearings, supporting the protection of post-war buildings designed by emigre architects. Prior to emigrating to Australia, she worked as a translator in Poland, specialising in architectural and historical texts, and is now using her linguistic skills to research the training and early work of Polish architects and their later contribution to Australia.

Warren Andersen, author of the book ‘The Architecture of Iwan Iwanoff’ is a business management and urban planning consultant with over 40 years experience in private and the public sector. A life member of the Local Government Planner’s Association, he has been an international committee member of the American Planning Association. In 2021, he secured heritage recognition by the City of Fremantle council of Martin Clark’s 1968 recording studio building designed by architect Iwan Iwanoff.

This event is generously supported by Konpira Maru Wines and Molly Rose Brewing.

Event Information

Doors will open at 6.30 pm to allow attendees to explore Walsh Street and enjoy refreshments in the courtyard. The talk will commence promptly at 7 pm.

Before your visit, please note:
– Attendees must be 16 years and over.
– No external food or drink is permitted.
– Large bags and backpacks will need to be checked in at entry.
– Stiletto or pointed heels are not permitted due to our cork flooring.
– No ticket refunds.
– Tickets may be exchanged as long as the purchaser advises us of the new attendee’s name via email.

Image: Kessell House, Iwan Iwanoff photographed by Andrew Pritchard