Alnis Ansons (1928-2015) was introduced to architect Kevin Knight in the lead-up to the opening of the Brighton Municipal Offices in 1961. The architect, on seeing some relief work in the artist’s home, asked Ansons if he would attempt an ambitious 70 square metre work within the council building which would wrap around the lift shaft of the three storey building. The tight deadlines and budgetary constraints imposed on the project impacted on the artist’s process but, in adapting to these limitations, Ansons developed a bold and original technique for producing commercial ceramic works. The mural, which symbolises the people of Brighton at work, worship and play, is constructed from hundreds of individual ceramic casts that have been treated with an engobe, similar to an underglaze, to produce a myriad of colours. The pieces were then fired only once, and grouted with copper grouting from top to bottom, creating a three-dimensional effect on the central column in the council chambers. Ansons was assisted during the installation by his future wife, Ralda, who was tasked with holding the pieces in position as they dried, to prevent them from sliding or shifting.Alnis Ansons, Brighton Council Chambers Mural 1961, ceramic. 750 x 595 cm. Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection. Commissioned c. 1960Circular ceramic relief mural around lift well in Brighton Council Chambers. The work begins on the ground floor of the Brighton Library, through to the mezzanine level up to the Chambers. mural, public art, alnis ansons, brighton council chambers, brighton library, ceramic, kevin knight, bayside chambers, bayside city council

This plaque, along with the Commonwealth Coat of Arms 0000-732, were previously on display in the Brighton City Council's municipal chambers. Oil paint on plywood. Royal coat of arms on black ground showing the central shield divided into four quarters flanked by the English Lion and Scottish Unicorn, surmounted by the Royal Crown. Below the shield appears the motto of the English monarchs ‘Dieu et mon droit’ (God and my right). There are four holes at each corner of the board.royal coat of arms, coat of arms, plaque, united kingdom, brighton city council, brighton

This plaque, along with the Royal Coat of Arms 0000-731, were previously on display in the Brighton City Council's municipal chambers. Oil paint on plywood. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is painted on black ground showing the central shield, depicting symbols of Australia's six states, which is flanked by the native Australian animals, the kangaroo and the emu. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star surmounting the crest also represents the states and territories, a wreath of golden wattle appears below the shield. Below the shield is a scroll containing the word 'AUSTRALIA'. There are four holes at each corner of the board.coat of arms, plaque, brighton city council, brighton, commonwealth coat of arms, australian coat of arms

This model of the Brighton Municipal Offices was made by Alan W. Chandler. The Brighton Municipal Offices were designed by Kevin Knight of Oakley and Parkes with the engineers John Connell and Associates and were erected by Prentice Builders Pty Ltd. The foundation stone was laid on 13 February 1959 and the building was opened on 21 July 1961. The interior decoration and furniture was by Grant Featherston. As is common practice, an architectural model was prepared to present the final concept of the building for approval to the Brighton City Council. In February 1959 festivities occurred to celebrate the centenary of the municipality of Brighton. A garden party attended by two hundred Brighton residents was held in the grounds of the Brighton Town Hall. This model graced the centre of the lily pond during the event. The following day the foundation stone of the Brighton Municipal Offices was laid.Architectural model of a large public building in orange brick, the main cylindrical tower is set within a rectangular structure, with circular and oval roof structures. The model is set within landscaped grounds with paths, a water feature, several trees and bushes, lawns and flower beds.brighton municipal complex, brighton civic centre, brighton chambers, architectural model, model, alan w. chandler, kevin knight, oakley and parkes, architecture, municipal offices, municipal building, scale model

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