Methodist Ladies’ College by McIldowie Partners
The design by McIldowie Partners includes delineated learning zones and storytime spaces, fostering individual learning and collaborative discussions. Photo: Tom Ross.
The recently refurbished Junior School Library at Methodist Ladies’ College in Naarm (Melbourne), has been reimagined as a vibrant and flexible learning environment that supports curiosity, collaboration and calm. Designed by McIldowie Partners, the space transforms a once outdated facility into a warm and welcoming hub for young learners.
Taking cues from the existing ‘wave’ ceiling, the interior embraces soft, organic forms throughout. These curves are echoed in circular rugs, rounded ottomans, and the undulating rhythms of Willie Weston’s Jilamara design in ‘Stone’, which features artwork by Tiwi artist, Jean Baptiste Apuatimi.
Soft, textural upholstery and a warm, earthy colour palette of red, ochre, and mustard, combined with abundant natural light, create an inviting and calm atmosphere, with Jean’s design contributing subtle layers of texture and storytelling.
Jilamara in ‘Stone’ by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi is from our Tiwi Collection. Jilamara is a Tiwi word that refers to the ochre patterning traditionally painted on the bodies of dancers and on carved poles during Pukumani ceremonies. Jilamara is unique to the art and culture of Tiwi Islanders.
Jean Baptiste Apuatimi. Photo: Tiwi Designs.
Jean Baptiste Apuatimi (1940-2013) is internationally acclaimed as a painter, carver and printmaker. She was born at Pirlangimpi, Melville Island, NT, into the Japijapunga (March Fly) skin group. In 1991 she participated in her first exhibition; the next year the National Gallery of Victoria acquired eight of her bark paintings. Apuatimi exhibited widely and earned significant recognition as both an artist and a custodian of Tiwi culture. Her work is held in public and private collections around the world, including the British Museum (UK), the Seattle Museum of Art (USA) and the National Museum of Women in the Arts (USA).
Willie Weston’s Jilamara by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi in ‘Stone’, features on our commercial wallpaper in the recently refurbished Junior School Library at Methodist Ladies’ College. Photo: Tom Ross.