Brisbane Modern — independent content from Chris Osborne

Independent content publishers deserve all the help and support they can get. Issue 2 of the excellent Brisbane Modern: mid 20th century design magazine was released in June. It’s a recently established publication which examines that city’s architecture, art and design from the mid twentieth century. What’s also interesting, to me, is that it’s an independently published and financed venture from a person with a passion for mid-century design.

The magazine is the work of publisher and creative director Chris Osborne, who aims to enlighten readers about the talented and overlooked champions of design in Brisbane create awareness of this era of design.

For issue 2 Chris has prepared a self-guided architectural walk through the Brisbane City centre. After trying to find a way to highlight architecture and how to promote it, Chris selected the city area for a self-guided tour for its accessibility and concentration of buildings, rather than a scattered selection around the suburbs. Issue 2 also looks at a modernistic landscape pioneer and the evolution of the La Boite theatre.

Chris has managed to enlist contributions from local architects, writers, collectors and designers—the most difficult part of any content-based enterprise. As an avid mid 20th century objects collector himself, Chris says there is a wider appreciation of this era of design, with much creativity to be admired and enjoyed. This may be one of the few opportunities to read interviews with individual designers and artists of the era, complete with examples of their work.

I hope these articles will lead to a greater understanding of Brisbane’s history and cultural heritage, dispelling the notion that good design can only originate from the southern states.

— Chris Osborne

Are there any similar publications covering mid-century design in Canberra? Not really, although the short-lived Walter from a couple of years ago aimed, in some ways, to fill such a gap.