Ipswich is a city that’s glossed in history – everywhere you look there’s something that is fascinating about its story and how it’s developed over the years. Architecture is one lens to view its history and recently Laurel took a trip to discover the buildings that have stood the test of time.
Studio 188 is the new creative performing arts space located in the top of town within Ipswich CBD. Previously the Baptist Church, this space has been transformed into a dynamic cultural and creativity space. It provides cutting edge facilities and equipment that allows for various forms of performing arts; ranging from theatre, dance, musicals, concerts, school performances, workshops, multimedia presentations, band performances and creative and cultural expression.
The brick basement of Ipswich’s renowned Goleby’s Saddlery was the workshop where saddles and harnesses were handcrafted for sale to England and around Australia and in World War II, gun holsters for US servicemen. Now it is a funky performance space that hosts anything from acoustic sets, spoken word poetry or trivia nights.
Cumquat House, built in 1914, is a stunning example of mission revival architecture and recent refurbishments and styling have added a fresh contemporary elegance. On a quiet street within an easy stroll of the CBD, Cumquat House offers five suites each with ensuite and balcony, and each with a moniker that links back to some historical aspect of the building. ‘Emsworth’ for example, is named for the birthplace of its builder, and ‘Woodford’ for the first owner, John Harry Woodford, and ‘Compton’ for the birthplace of his wife.
