the HISTORICAL HEART OF BRISBANE CITY
The ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Brisbane, Brisbane Arcade is Brisbane’s oldest shopping arcade. Believed to have been under construction in 1923 with the first store openings in 1924, the arcade’s history spans nearly a century, a milestone set to be celebrated in the coming years. Home to some of the city’s most iconic fashion designers, the arcade continues to buzz with local talent and production – making it a truly unique shopping destination in Brisbane and Queensland.
Long before Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall was dotted with concept stores, multi-level shopping centres and superstores, the city’s consummate shoppers have flocked to Brisbane Arcade to enjoy couture fashion, jewellery, tailors, dining and other shopping experiences. Today, Brisbane Arcade’s interiors speak of a bygone era of shopping elegance and old world charm.
1923
Brisbane Arcade, in the Queen Street Mall, was built in 1923 and designed by architect Richard Gailey Jr for Dr James Mayne and his sister Mary Emelia Mayne. Brisbane Arcade has had a checkered history. Prior to construction, the Mayne family was shunned by society and socially outcast when it was alleged that their family patriarch, Patrick Mayne (James and Mary Emelia’s father), had confessed to murdering a man to steal a significant sum of money that had enabled him to establish the Mayne family wealth and, subsequently, Brisbane Arcade.
1930-1940s
Early retailers included S Knowles and Sons Jewellers, Eastern Art Salons, a resident of the arcade from the 1930s until the 1980s, which sold delightful handmade doilies and underwear from China, Lind’s Umbrellas (resident of the arcade for more than 60 years), Miss Emily Clegg dressmaker, Everest Chair Company (makers of theatre chairs, squatters chairs and chairs for ships), Luxor Shoe Store, Cutlery Co., Charles Swieda (toilet room proprietor presumably when bathrooms used to be attended and provide combs etc for visitors), Searls Florists (who were in the arcade until 2002, almost 80 years), Arcade Tobacco and News (which paid 3 pounds per week in rent), and George E. Adams cake shop
1952
Brisbane Arcade becomes the home of one of Australia’s most notable privately owned art galleries. In February 1952, the Johnstone Gallery opened in the former air raid shelter in the basement of Brisbane Arcade, where it remained for five years before moving to Bowen Hills. The Johnstone Gallery, owned by Brian and Marjorie Johnstone, was one of the most significant privately owned galleries in Australia at the time and attracted many leading artists such as Sir Sidney Nolan, Robert Dickerson, Lawrence Daws, Margaret Olley, Charles Blackman, Ray Crook, Arthur Boyd and Donald Friend.
1950s-1970s
Brisbane Arcade’s name has been synonymous with fashion in Brisbane. During the ’50s, ’60s and into the ’70s, Brisbane Arcade was the design headquarters of two of the most significant couturier designers in Australian fashion history – Gwen Gillam and Harvey Graham. Find out more.
1968
Brisbane Arcade was home to Queensland’s first ever bistro. On 14 February 1968, Queensland’s first bistro, Arcade Bistro, opened in Brisbane Arcade. It was one of only a handful of restaurants in Brisbane at the time and was frequented by famous and influential names and identities on a daily basis. Owner Bradley Garrett established Arcade Bistro after he returned to Brisbane following many naval travels around the world. He felt it was high time that Brisbane had a quality bistro restaurant. Arcade Bistro closed in 1982.
1980
During the ’80s and ’90s, larger retail chains joined the arcade’s tenant mix. Sportsgirl fronted Queen Street and Kentucky Fried Chicken occupied the downstairs basement area. Other notable businesses included Brisbane pharmacy stalwart Mr Delahunty, who was a chemist on the ground floor, and Frank’s Souvenir Shop, where Frank would visit Aboriginal communities and source quality original artworks for his clientele.
The ’80s saw the next generation of Brisbane designers set up in Brisbane Arcade and make an indelible mark on the city’s fashion scene locally, nationally and even internationally. Royce Facy, Tim Lindgren, Adam R Dixon, Debra Kolkka, Irma J Smith, Michael Klease and Keri Craig followed by Anthony Leigh Dower’s arrival in the early ’90s cemented Brisbane Arcade’s status as a fashion powerhouse. Other Queensland fashion designers who have had their early beginnings in Brisbane Arcade include Lydia Pearson, of Easton Pearson fame.
1992
Brisbane Arcade has undergone a number of transformations over the years with the most significant taking place in 1992, when it was Heritage Listed. In subsequent years it was restored to its current historical setting.
2000s
Brisbane Arcade has been a constant destination for Brisbane glamour. Current couturiers Darb Couture (Brad Webb), Irma J Smith House of Fashion (Bronwyn Smith), Maiocchi (Deanne Mayocchi), Pia du Pradal Fashions (Pia du Pradal) and Tengdahl (Julie Tengdahl) along with fashion retailers such as 2020 Optical, Belle Folie, Brisbane Hatters, Keri Craig Emporium, Tree of Life and Wendy Louise Designs continue a fashion tradition that spans nine decades. Long-term retailers include Robert White Jewellers (1974), Keri Craig (1977) and Irma J Smith (1993).
Brisbane Arcade has been a favoured dining or meeting destination for morning, afternoon or special high tea occasions at venues such as Room with Roses and Keri-Craig Emporium – one of the earliest Brisbane venues to offer traditional high tea.
2014
Brisbane Arcade Spring Flower Show was established in 2014 and has a changing theme each year. Past themes have included Jewel in the Crown (2019), Spring Fair (2018), Spring Jungle (2017), The Enchanted Forest (2016), Spring Forest (2015) and Colour My Senses (2014). Each year, the Arcade is decorated in theme, and events are held including a fashion show, cocktail party and flower show.
2019
Brisbane Arcade celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2019, with the milestone marked by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor and celebrated by many. The arcade is still home to long-term retailers that offer unique goods that you don’t find anywhere else, many of which are still designed and made here in Brisbane.
the building
Brisbane Arcade was designed by Richard Gailey Jr, who is regarded as one of Queensland’s most important earlier architects. The building is located on a long narrow plot of land in the central city linking Queen Street to Adelaide Street. The design of the Arcade reflects the archetype of the traditional shopping arcade, which developed in Europe in the late 18th century.
The Arcade provides a pedestrian thoroughfare between two of the city’s busiest streets, with three levels of shops (basement, street, gallery levels) flanking a lofty central gallery under a solid roof with clerestory lighting. Architectural details of interest include the Edwardian Baroque style street facades, original terrazzo stairs, balustrades and dado panelling. The Brisbane Arcade received Heritage Listing in 1992.
THE MAYNE FAMILY
The history of the Mayne Family is captured in the iconic book The Mayne Inheritance, by Rosamond Siemon, published through the University of Queensland Press, in 1997. The Mayne siblings became great benefactors to the University of Queensland. He gave the university the land for their St Lucia campus. Brisbane Arcade was also established in a Trust and proceeds from the Trust still benefit the University of Queensland Medical School and medical research.
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My dad’s shop ‘Stev’s Jewellery’ was on the second floor in the arcade during the 1970s-80s when I grew up. Best memories.
MEMORIES, STORIES & TALES
Brisbane Arcade holds a special place in so many people’s hearts and minds as well as Brisbane’s history.
There are 95 years of memories, stories and tales that make up Brisbane Arcade’s rich tapestry of history.
Whether it was where your engagement ring or wedding gown was purchased, or you worked in the many shops that have made up Brisbane Arcade’s past and present, there are countless stories to be told and cherished.
We invite everyone who has visited Brisbane Arcade throughout the years to share their memory, story or tale.
Find out more and browse memories, stories and tales from Brisbane Arcade’s history here.
