About the exhibition
Sydney has the Kings Cross Coca-Cola sign, New York has the lights of Times Square, and Brisbane has Stefan’s rainbow, which is one of 26 original neon signs you will see in Neon exhibition alongside photographs and original footage from State Library’s collection.
Neon explores the history of neon across Queensland from the 1940s to today, including the artists who transformed glass bending into an art form that became a symbol of urban life and popular culture across the world.
Don’t miss Neon in slq Gallery these summer holidays! It’s free, no need to book.
Various night scenes of Brisbane, from the amateur film “Metropolis: modern Brisbane” 1940
Film maker unknown
27395 Metropolis: modern Brisbane
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Brisbane night scenes during Royal visit 1954
Film maker unknown
32845/2 - 32845 Nicko Productions home movies
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Installation of neon signs at a new B.C.C. store, Toowoomba ca.1955
Claude Fraser
33453/8 - 33453 Claude Fraser collection
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Brisbane night scenes including Queen Street, from the amateur film “Queen Elizabeth II visit to Brisbane, Toowoomba and Warwick” 1954
Henry William Endres
31434/1 - 31434 Henry William Endres home movies
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Mackay night scenes including Sydney and Victoria Streets, from the amateur film “Mackay and Whitsunday Passage” 1954-1959
Gilbert and Everil Neil (née Heideman)
32809/3 - 32809 Neil and Heideman family papers
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Brisbane night scenes including Queen Street, from the amateur film “Bits and pieces” 1956-1957
Gilbert and Everil Neil (nee Heideman)
32809/2 - 32809 Neil and Heideman family papers
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Night scenes of Brisbane city centre and Fortitude Valley, from the amateur film “City lights, Xmas party” 1960-1962
Don Finlay
31886/10 31886 Don Finlay motion picture collection
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
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Discover a curated selection of recommended reads inspired by the vibrant world of neon.
The Sea & Us
We'll Show the World: Expo 88
Prehistoric Joy
A Night at the Pink Poodle
Flickering Light: A History of Neon
Atomic City
Peter Kennedy talks about his art and the first exhibition in Australia that used neon light.
Photographs taken by John Gollings at Surfers Paradise in 1973.
1959 Centenary Year Christmas Decorations.