Sydney Harbour Bridge Poster in Gouache, 1932

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Attributed to Douglas Annand we believe this was an original drawing for the 1932 poster competition.

In 1932 poster competition … Read more Attributed to Douglas Annand we believe this was an original drawing for the 1932 poster competition.

In 1932 poster competition committee asked Douglas Annand and Arthur Whitmore to collaborate to produce the now-famous 19th March 1932 poster.

There are clear similarities between ours and the collaborated poster.

Our design clearly shows more of an art deco and feminine design, as opposed to the more masculine, collaborated Sydney Harbour bridge poster design.

Our drawing is Gouache on paper laid down on the artist’s board.

The drawing is in the original frame and mount dated March 1932 and is unsigned.

Step back in time to the iconic year of 1932, when Australia's most ambitious engineering marvel, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was nearing completion. To celebrate this monumental achievement and capture the spirit of a nation on the brink of a new era, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Australian Original Poster Design Competition was born.

This historic competition invited artists and visionaries from across the country to encapsulate the grandeur and significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a single poster design. Entrants were tasked with weaving together elements of engineering prowess, national pride, and the scenic beauty of Sydney's harbour into a visual masterpiece that would stand the test of time.

The competition symbolized a collective effort to define Australia's identity through art, embracing the bridge as a symbol of progress, unity, and resilience. Artists were encouraged to draw inspiration from the bridge's colossal arch, the intricate web of steel, and the majestic waters of Sydney Harbour that cradled this architectural wonder.

The selected designs not only reflected the artistic talents of the entrants but also provided a window into the cultural and societal ethos of the time. The competition served as a platform for artists to convey their interpretations of the bridge's role in connecting communities, fostering national pride, and heralding a promising future.

The winning design, chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, became the face of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's inaugural year. The selected artwork captured the imagination of the public and immortalized the spirit of 1932, showcasing the bridge as a symbol of Australia's determination to overcome challenges and reach new heights.

As we look back on this historic competition, we are reminded of the creativity and vision that fueled the nation's excitement for the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The designs submitted to the competition stand as timeless tributes to an engineering marvel that continues to define the skyline of Sydney and the spirit of Australia. See less