6 April to 5 June 2004
Illusions of Grandeur was inspired by the Melbourne Town Hall's enchanting images of rich floral decorations displayed during historic civic events. Research revealed the comprehensive scale of such displays, which involved horticulture virtuosity by municipal gardeners, dexterous engineering applications and large scenic paintings by talented artists.
The dazzling colours and effects were captured in mainly black-and-white photographs, which are now stored in albums held in the City of Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection. The exhibition sought to express the richness of colour and vitality of displays celebrating civic life right up until the 1980s.