This Canberra icon is getting its own merch range—and the results are stunning
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Canberra’s cultural institutions often become a brand unto their own when it comes to gifting, with many of the city’s best gift and design stores found within their hallowed walls.
Now a new contender is entering this space—and we think it’s about time. After all, being one of the most iconic buildings in Australia, it’s natural that Australian Parliament House should also host a collection of iconic souvenirs and local design items.
“We’ve been working on a new strategy to establish a destination shop here at Parliament House,” explains Dr Rachael Coghlan, formerly CEO of Craft ACT and now Assistant Secretary of the Parliamentary Engagement Branch. “We wanted to create a shop which enhances Parliament’s status as an iconic building and location of national significance.”
“This project is part of a broader program to change the way that Parliament House engages with the public—in our interpretation and our customer service, but also in the way we connect with the Canberra community and the broader cultural and tourism sectors.”
Launching first as an online store while the refreshed bricks-and-mortar version is under construction Parliament Shop features quality, locally-designed and Australian-made items from as little as $2.50 (the adorable Parlimints) through to items commissioned from local craftspeople and artists.
“To celebrate the building’s 35th anniversary, we’ve commissioned some special pieces by local makers and artists,” says Rachael.
One such item Is the Chamber socks designed by local artist Estelle Briedis and made in Melbourne by Otto and Spike. Estelle, a screen printer and surface designer first developed her ‘Chamber’ print for Parliament House some years ago, when she was invited to create a design inspired by old leather Hansard record books.
Estelle Briedis’ Otto and Spike Chamber Socks. Credit: Pew Pew Studio.
Using the embossed leather covers as a guide, Estelle screen-printed her Chamber design, thus allowing a slice of parliamentary history to live on. Now, this design gets yet another life, on a pair of delightfully colourful socks.
“It was so exciting to see the design in sock form,” says Estelle, adding that she loved the process of converting her design to a pattern with Otto and Spike.
“Each pixel of the design corresponded to a stitch…it was a fantastic process to be a part of. The design is so true to the essence of Parliament House. It was such a fun project and I can’t wait to see them in the new shop.”
Estelle Briedis. Credit: Jenny Wu Photography.
For Rachael, these pieces aren’t just a way to celebrate a milestone but a showcase of local creativity.
“I think people are always a bit surprised about the extraordinary craft and design that is made here in Canberra by makers and artists who could work anywhere in the world but choose to live, work and make here in our beautiful city. I think this is changing, though, because Canberrans are so proud of this unique dimension of our community and our identity.”
One such maker is Chelsea Lemon, whose skilled use of fine parquetry was called upon to capture Parliament House’s iconic façade. The result is a limited collection of two trays, that showcase the bold lines and modernist features of the building in rich colours.
Chelsea Lemon.
The first step in this process was for Chelsea to get to know the architecture to find the perfect angle, which saw her traverse the Parliament forecourt “looking very touristy” before deciding on the perfect shot.
“With the design I had to keep practicality in mind…there’s a lot going on in the building and it’s quite long and panoramic so I had to pick an area that would work within a square shape.”
To represent the interplay of light and shade created by the striking cut outs along the façade, Chelsea used two shades of the same colour to create depth and dimension, with each tray unsurprisingly taking “quite some time” to create.
Chelsea Lemon’s Parliament Tray. Credit: Pew Pew Studio.
For Chelsea, it’s an honour to be displaying her work in the shop alongside other local makers.
“It’s exciting to have something locally-made displayed in Parliament House—Rachael is so dedicated to local makers and designers so it’s amazing to have the opportunity to be supported like this.”
Chelsea says she hopes the trays serve as both a timeless souvenir for tourists and visitors, but also as mementos for those who have worked in the building for many years.
Feature image: Chelsea Lemon’s Classic Parliament Tray. Credit: Pew Pew Studio
