Inflorescence by Belinda Smith
Dated 2009
The chandelier that hangs down from the atrium in the central part of the House from a pole that extends from the ceiling was designed by artist Belinda Smith through Urban Art Projects, a Brisbane-based art and design consultancy. Amber crystal beads attached at multiple points drape down from branches: three larger branches in the upper section of the chandelier and three smaller branches down below all extending out into the Hall space from the light fixture in the ceiling above. Attached in numerous long, vertical single strands, the approximate length of each is 1 metre with the entire width of the chandelier measuring 1.8 metres across. The beads shine and glimmer catching the golden glow from the light bulbs encased within.
Inspired by the seed branches of the native Bangalow palm located in the nearby City Botanic Gardens, the chandelier's cascading beaded strings are comprised of 52,000 rich amber and champagne Swarovski crystals descending from palm branches that extend out from the central fixture, cast in bronze. In 1910 the gas chandeliers in the three main reception rooms in the House were removed as part of a conversion of the House into use by the University of Queensland. The chandelier can be viewed from below in the Hall or from the balcony above in the central atrium located in the William Robinson Gallery.