Plumridge House
Artists
Janice Akes
Matthew Armstrong
Daniele Avanzini
Olga Bakhtina
Kate Barry
Bronwyn Barton
Melissa Bates
Dane Beesley
Casey Charles
Hilary Day
Drapl
Callum Deed
Narelle Gibbs
Michelle Graham
Rose Hewartson
Jay Jackal
Suzanne Kelleher
David Loose
The new seasons exhibition 'New World' has just opened at Plumridge House and we will be publishing the catalogue in the coming week.
Meanwhile, please enjoy the catalogue from the previous show, as some of these works may still be available.
PLUMRIDGE HOUSE
Plumridge House is a shining example of the preservation of one of Brisbane's most iconic art deco buildings, thanks to the vision and passion of Dave Allan. The Allan family purchased the building in the 90s, and it was always a dream for Dave to restore the building to its original state. An avid fan and collector of the arts, together with his son Duncan, they came up with the idea to turn this former confectionery factory into 52 boutique offices that would offer a different feel to the typical corporate office space in the city.
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Today, Duncan has followed in his fathers footsteps, remaining enthusiastic and supportive of the Brisbane art scene, continuing to be a collector himself. Having a ​​​​​​thought to transform the gleaming, bright, towering hallways of Plumridge House, into an art gallery, Duncan approached Buckley Lowe, whose small Hamilton Gallery was fast gaining a reputation for exhibiting emerging and affordable art, to create this gallery - B.LOWE Art Gallery @ Plumridge House. Sharing parallel vision and passion for contemporary art they are seeking to give Brisbane a whole new concept in accessible art for everyone to approach in a stunning, yet casual and inviting environment.
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The gallery features emerging and established artists and is open during business hours, and by appointment on weekends, for patrons to roam the halls and admire the works at their leisure.​​​​​
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
​​​Plumridge House is a heritage listed building located in the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. It comprises of a set of three and four storey brick factory buildings with a tradition of confectionery manufacturing from the early twentieth century which provided a historic streetscape into and out of Fortitude Valley to the city, reflecting the industrial and commercial growth of the area.
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The first of these brick buildings, 188 Barry Parade, was constructed in 1900-1901. The confectionery manufacturers Bouchard, Plumridge and Rankin Brothers had purchased the property in 1900, and the business was known as Bouchard, Plumridge and Rankin Brothers until 1911 when it was renamed Bouchard and Plumridge and then became Plumridge Ltd in 1912. ​The second brick building, on the right-hand side, 166 Barry Parade, was built in 1921 for the confectionery manufacturers Plumridge Ltd. In 1936 it was leased to Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. ​The three-storey brick building on the south wing of the manufactory complex was built in 1927. It is unclear whom initially inhabited this building until it was purchased by Plumridge Ltd. in 1936. Continuing with the tradition of confectionery manufacturing, from 1947 McNiven Pty Ltd, wholesale confectionery manufacturers, occupied 166 Barry Parade.​
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In recent years, Plumridge House has been meticulously renovated, preserving its character and architectural art deco features, making it a truly stand out building, both inside and out, in the heart of the Fortitude Valley. Plumridge House is now home to 52 creative office spaces and an outstanding cafe, The Daily Maid Cafe, and now the home of B.LOWE Art Gallery.