Residents share Art Deco artefacts

Albury residents have responded generously to AlburyCity's call for them to search garages and cupboards for hidden Art Deco treasures.

Today, media are invited to see some of the key finds, which are being collected for a blockbuster exhibition expected to attract national accolades. The exhibition, planned for 2011, will reveal Art Deco's impact on regional Australia from 1910-1939, with a particular focus on Albury.

A bakelight radio designed like a New York skyscraper, a model of the Monument Hill war memorial, a portrait of a woman in a red flapper dress and the stunning dress itself are among the treasures that were unveiled to the press on 20 August at the LibraryMuseum.

AlburyCity's Team Leader Collections and Assets, Pam Owen, said the hunt was still on for local Art Deco pieces.

"I hope that this sneak preview of distinctively Art Deco objects will help local people identify other pieces from this period that they might have tucked away at home," Ms Owen said.

"We are very grateful for the response we've had from the community so far and would like to encourage more people to contribute."

Ms Owen said AlburyCity is also organising an Art Deco valuation day on 21 November at the LibraryMuseum, where Council's collections valuer Simon Storey will give locals an insight into what their treasures are worth.

The Art Deco show, which will include AlburyCity's collection of Art Deco paintings, photographs and decorative arts, is the main exhibition planned for 2011 and will be featured across both the Art Gallery and LibraryMuseum.