Women’s Industrial Arts Society (WIAS), one of the earliest groups organised around the concept of industrial and graphic design. The WIAS was formed in 1935 and the
Society’s first exhibition was held in May of the same year. Work from such artists, designers and interior designers as Hera Roberts, Phyllis Shillito (an early SIDA member), Jean Bellette, Thea Proctor, Margaret Preston and others was shown. Their 1935 show at the Education Department Gallery also included graphic arts on loan from women employed by The Bulletin, Woman and The Home. A review in 1936 states “The WIAS has evolved from the Women’s Painters Society [...] formed by Lillian Chauvel] with Lady Chelmsford [...] 28 years ago. The society has taken club rooms at the Victoria Arcade, Sydney …”. (“Art in the Home”, SMH 7 May 1936, p.22.
The Secretary of the Industrial Arts Society was located in the Victoria Arcade, Castlereagh Street, Sydney in 1938. This appears to be their office.“Industrial Arts Society’s 40 pound prizes. SMH, 2 August 1938, p.4.
First Annual Exhibition. 1935. Women’s Industrial Arts Society. [Catalogue] 1935. The First Exhibition of Women’s Work in 1907 in the Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne had several categories of “industrial art” including furniture. First Exhibition of Women’s’ Work. Official Souvenir Catalogue, Prell’s Buildings, Melbourne, 1907.
“Linking Design and Industry.” Sydney Morning Herald. (Women’s Supplement) 16 January 1940. (Thanks to Marisa Sara for supplying this reference)
- Writers:
-
Michael Bogle
- Date written:
- 2018
- Last updated:
- 2021
