Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869:reg:2016:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2016 (pt 2/11)
Character Range: 529150–532072

the Honorary Secretary of the Australian Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association he wrote of his concern that the Gothic design 'is harmonious with the architecture of the House of Commons … [but] out of keeping with the simple severe free Renaissance character of the Canberra building'.85

  The Chair features intricate carved heraldic panels and is crafted from English oak roofing timber from Westminster Hall and Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory, which fought in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Despite his protests, the Chair, later reproduced for the British Parliament as a replacement for their one destroyed during the Second World War, was installed in the House of Representatives Chamber in time for the opening of Provisional Parliament House. Today, it is the single most important item of furniture in the building.

  Inside the building, the stark white plastered walls were devoid of ornament. This created a dramatic contrast in areas where natural timber was introduced as an interior feature as wall panelling in the Chambers or prominent offices, or timber flooring in King's Hall, and in rooms where freestanding furniture was the major element. Rooms were bathed in natural light, and artificial light was concealed in restrained fittings.

  Further discretion was achieved by the use of subdued floor coverings, and metal finishes were either painted white or crafted in a dull antique bronze finish. The major use of colour in Provisional Parliament House was restricted to three hues: red, the colour for the upholstery in the Senate; green for the House of Representatives; and blue for the Parliamentary Library.

  While Murdoch undertook the overall design responsibility, the day to day issues relating to furniture design were handled by HM Rolland, an architect with the Federal Capital Commission, previously Works Director with the Department of Works and Railways in Canberra. A furniture officer, LH Taylor, was employed to handle the administrative matters and draft the designs, assisted by JD McColl. Staff in the Department of Works and Railways in Melbourne were also responsible for the preparation of plans and drawings.86

  Considerable research was undertaken in the formulation of the furniture requirements for Provisional Parliament House. Close and careful examination of the furniture in both the Victorian State Parliament House and Parliament House in Adelaide was made to determine the success of features, particularly in relation to style and comfort.87 Detailed lists were drawn up of items that were available from Melbourne and could fulfil requirements in the new building. What could not be met from existing resources was then specifically designed to fulfil each function. To what extent furniture offers from other possible sources were canvassed remains unclear. The only recorded acquisition for Provisional Parliament House, other than the