This easy-to-hold and easy -to-read walking guide of Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay is a wonderfully compact book. It gives a history of this unique one square kilometre area of Sydney, and a clear description of the architectural styles. There is a useful sturdy flip out map identifying locations of 75 art deco buildings and 32 modernists buildings. There are photographs of all 107 buildings and helpful descriptions.
The interior lobbies of several of the grand buildings are included. There is also information on the local parks and reserves. Elizabeth Bay House and Boomerang the most famous of the houses described, but the significance of the lesser-known buildings is equally explained. The distinction of the various styles is described: Art deco, art deco functionalist, art deco Spanish, internationalist, neo-gothic, beaux art and more!
Potts Points and Elizabeth Bay are the historical and architectural treasures of Sydney. Tree-lined streets, elegant apartment buildings, grand lobbies and a cosmopolitan atmosphere define the area. From 1880s filigree style terrace houses to the magnificent Elizabeth Bay House, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay are truly unique in Australia.
The book includes brief biographies of the prominent architects who created this distinctive neighbourhood. The self-guided tour takes anything from two to three hours to complete. It clearly sets out how to efficiently move from location to location.
Author and historian Dr Peter Sheridan, wrote the book and took all the photographs. The publication was supported by the Art Deco and Modernist Society of Australia.
Sydney Art Deco & Modernist Walks, Potts Point & Elizabeth Bay
By Dr. Peter Sheridan
Publisher : NewSouth Books. Published : 1 August 2021
ISBN 9780992389611
Book review by Carol Dance. Featured image : The Metro at Kings Cross. Images courtesy of Dr Peter Sheridan