Government Printing Office
I came across one of the coolest pieces of architecture in the city today which made me stop and think "What were they thinking when they did that!?" Located at 110 George Street, it is now part of the Registry of Birth's, Death's and Marriages, but back then it was part of the Government Printing Office. The Government Printing Office (GOPRINT) as it is today has moved to Woolloongabba. For a significant time it was also home of the Brisbane Sciencentre, which has now relocated to the Queensland Museum at Southbank. 
A printing office was initially established in Queensland in 1862 to print the official record of the proceedings of the House of Parliament. Over the intervening years there was much expansion, culminating in 1910 with a new addition fronting George Street. With the expansion it replaced a hotel, a variety of houses and shops. Perhaps these gargoyles were placed here in order to scare away the former residents!
The thing I am unsure about is whether these magnificent sculptures and stained glass windows were part of the renovation work which was undertaken in 1987, or whether they were originals. Either way, the restoration work which has been done makes them look like they were installed yesterday! I love the fact that these creatures are looking down upon all who pass by underneath each day, and most people wouldn't even have a clue they were there.
Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.
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4 comments:
Dear wes. The leadlighting on that door is incredible!
Wow. Gargoyles in gov't, who knew?
I was walking past this a few months ago when I heard a child, who couldn't have been more than 4, say of the gargoyles "Mummy! What are they? They're weird."
"They protect the building, honey. Aren't they pretty?"
"YES!"
I thought it was so sweet.
Those gargoyles are hilarious.
The one above the door I can almost refashion in my mind as "Shrek" ! Ha !
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