City of Sydney Historical Association (COSHA)
Formed in 2000 with the aim of increasing awareness and appreciation of the history of the City of Sydney, COSHA aims to make our history more accessible.
COSHA regularly organises guided walks, lectures and tours of historic sites and buildings.
The required public distancing will be observed. Hand wash available. Sign in required. In consideration for other people we would request that you wear a mask.
MARCH 2021
2.00 PM Saturday, 13th March
"William Wilkinson Wardell, the Pope’s Architect in Australia"
Speaker: Emeritus Professor Donald Napper
William Wilkinson Wardell designed more than 60 Roman Catholic churches in England and
Australia.
These churches were built in the Gothic Revivalist style popularised by Augustin Pugin, who himself designed over 70 Catholic churches including 5 cathedrals in the UK. Among Wardell’s most notable Australian buildings are his two Catholic cathedrals: St Patrick’s
in Melbourne and St Mary’s in Sydney. These are Australia’s only two heritage cathedrals of
international architectural quality.
In Sydney, Wardell designed not only St Mary’s Cathedral, but
also St John’s College at Sydney University. In Melbourne, he designed such building as Government House, the Mint and Customs House.
He was one of the 400 civil servants who were dismissed from their government positions on the infamous 1878 ‘Black Wednesday’.
Bookings not required. Covid conditions will be observed.
Venue: Henry Carmichaell Theatre,
Sydney Mechanics School of Arts
280 Pitt Street, Sydney
Admission: Members - $5 Visitors - $8
APRIL 2021
2.00 PM Saturday, 13th March
"Sydney Public Sculptures: Gods and Goddesses-The enduring appeal"
Speaker: Robijn Alexanda
We have an enduring fascination with the gods and goddesses of Greece and Rome, and this talk will be a look at public sculptures in Sydney depicting these characters and Greek myths. Sculptures are spread out in the city, Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens.
Robijn Alexanda is an Art Historian with a special interest in religious art and symbols and she will give us a completely different look at the sculptures in our city.
Bookings not required. Covid conditions will be observed.
Venue: Henry Carmichaell Theatre,
Sydney Mechanics School of Arts
280 Pitt Street, Sydney
Admission: Members - $5 Visitors - $8
| 
