Stanley Street, South Brisbane

Stanley Street, South Brisbane 15th February 2014This junction is a fascinating one. There are many architectural layers contributing to the unique character of Woolloongabba. The Mater Children's Hospital that is currently under construction has seen a lot of activity in the area. Given Brisbane's stunning history of development, construction and destruction, I have my eye on this particular street and it's architectural treasures that include the Morrison Hotel, the Clarence Corner and the junction of Staney Street and Annerley Road flanked by rows of beautiful terraced retail buildings. 

I was drawing this scene from the bike ramp that travels alongside the M3 Motoway heading into Brisbane City from the south side. One of the things I like best about urban sketching is the way people stop to look at the scene I'm drawing. It seems to engage curiosity and encourage people to take a moment as just look. Some even stop for a chat. I spoke to a man about the old Morrison Hotel and he told me that it used to be the local watering hole for the workers at the Atkinson McDonald Saw Mill which was located just to the right of the pub... great!