Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building reveals stellar cast for its 2015 campaign via Studio Woo
As part of a year-long initiative that heroes on our arts and culture communities, Sydney’s iconic landmark, the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), has released its most ambitious visual campaign to date via Studio Woo, which stars some of Australia’s most celebrated, creative luminaries.
The group portrait features a carefully curated range of key personalities, hailing from the realms of art, film, theatre, dance, writing and design. All represent the key values and integrity that the heritage Sydney location personifies – glamour, nostalgia, indulgence and celebration.
The impressive cast includes actress Marta Dusseldorp, Archibald prize winner Vincent Fantauzzo, doyenne of Australian architecture Penelope Seidler AM and artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Richard Tognetti AO. From the Australian Ballet – artistic director David McAllister AM and principle dancer Amber Scott, feature alongside veteran actor Barry Otto and his daughter, film maker and actress Gracie Otto. Author Miranda Darling, food writer and granddaughter of Margaret Fulton, Kate Gibbs, and representing the new generation of talent, young actress Miah Madden complete the group.
Says Victor Gaspar, group general manager of Ipoh Management: “The QVB’s iconic standpoint as the centre of Sydney CBD allowed us to reflect on what we feel is truly special about our city. Bringing together notable figures in the arts, whether they be established or up and coming, we hope to shine a light on the diversity of talent this country has to offer and to draw focus to the value culture adds to our society.”
Shot on location within the coveted halls of the QVB’s The Tea Room, the group was photographed by renowned, Australian fashion photographer Georges Antoni amongst an elaborate set created by Sydney Theatre Company’s esteemed set designer Alice Babidge. The playful backdrop features an idyllic wooden rowboat named ‘Islay’ after Queen Victoria’s favourite canine companion, an ornate harp, trunks of ballet costumes, stacks of vintage books, towers of macarons and colourful peacocks, combined with the diverse talent to create a visual feast for the beholder.
To lead the arts and culture initiative the QVB has partnered with the prestigious Australian Ballet and will host a costume exhibition later in the year, amongst other initiatives within the cultural schedule.
Says McAllister: “We are delighted to partner with the QVB for the first time. The QVB’s initiative in support of the arts is a cause close to the heart of our own organisation and taking part in the campaign shoot was a wonderful experience for our Principal dancer, Amber Scott, and myself being amongst so many prominent figures across the arts.”
The series of group portraits will be released throughout 2015, with the first showcasing Dusseldorp, Fantauzzo, and Darling evoking the glamour and mystique of old Hollywood.
Creative Agency: Studio Woo
Publicity Agency: MCMPR
Photographer: Georges Antoni