The theme of this year’s birthday celebrations is ‘Memory Lock’. Comprising of a five metre high lock with a key suspended above it, the key symbolises ‘the unlocking of magical moments’ and the lock is ‘the symbol of cherishing them forever’, according to the QVB’s official website.
The key and lock were designed in conjunction with James Dive and Scoundrel Projects.
Visitors to the installation are able to attach a lock and a handwritten message to it in a reference to the padlocks of the Pont Des Arts in Paris.
I’m a bit of romantic when it comes to places and this project got me thinking about what the QVB means to me.
My first memories of it was the mass of people that I somehow melded with the moment I entered. Coming from the quiet and wide open spaces of Perth, the crush of humanity was a bit overwhelming. People were walking this way and that all around and sometimes practically on top of me. With purpose and with speed. There were people everywhere I turned, there were new things to see if I so happened to pause for breath, close my eyes and reopen them. Sydney was a blur of energy to me on that first trip.
I’ve mostly acclimatised in the years since I’ve moved here and the QVB is no longer just the slightly daunting old building I need to get to in order to get my supply of Haigh’s dark chocolate peppermint frogs.
Happy Birthday. QVB!! You’re such a special part of the lives of many Sydneysiders and we all wish you a long life and good health (in your foundations and other essential structural components).
What does the QVB mean to you?