Brisbane, 1924. Let’s set the scene…
An impressive City Hall clock tower is under construction in King George Square; Mr Fourex makes his debut as the brewery’s winking mascot; and multiple small authorities merge to officially become the Greater Brisbane council.
Trams run along Queen Street and the city heart is bustling with shoppers.
In the same year, a new city landmark – one that has endured for a century – opens its doors to the public.
The Brisbane Arcade.
This elegant shopping mall linking Queen and Adelaide Streets brought a a touch of European elegance to the CBD in 1924.
And Brisbane Arcade remains a cherished heritage landmark to this day.
In 2024, the arcade marks 100 years of shopping glamour – bringing the finest stores and retail experiences to the people of Brisbane.
Early stores in the arcade included Searl’s Florist, Eastern Arts Salon, Lind’s Umbrellas and S Knowles & Sons Jewellers.
The latter business later became Robert White Jewellers – the arcade’s longest standing tenant. Known for its quality bespoke jewellery, Robert White Jewellers marks 50 years of existence in 2024.
Another enduring and much-loved retailer in Brisbane Arcade is The Pen Shoppe where, for decades, the city’s scribes have sourced their quality writing implements, paper and other necessities.
WEEKENDER thanks Queensland State Archives for the use of its 1920s film of Brisbane in our story.
Citation:
ITM2907841, Title 1: Planes and Parades; Title 2: Glimpses of Australia: Brisbane / Australia Development and Migration Commission; Cinema and Photographic Branch, Commonwealth of Australia (Film), 01/01/1929-31/12/1929 (approximate).
A Slice of Sweet Nostalgia
Brisbane Arcade has always been the place in town where you could have your cake… and eat it too.
It began with GE Adams Rich Cakes – a wonderful store in the arcade where the window and shelves were stacked with freshly made sponges, jam rolls and other daily baked delights. The store even sold fresh farm eggs!
Luckily, the tradition has been carried on – with aplomb – by Room with Roses, a café occupying both a lofty position on the arcade’s gallery level and a cherished spot in the hearts of generations of Brisbane families.
Room with Roses is known for its fabulous retro fare – with many recipes sourced by owner, Vicki Pitt, from her mother’s collection and the culinary bible for country women, the CWA Cookbook. Think Lemon Roulade, glorious Cream Sponge and decadent High Teas, including Raspberry Scones.
Brisbane Arcade was also once home to the Rendezvous Tea Rooms, where you could have a cuppa and have your fortune read by a tea leaf reader.
Isabella T is reviving the experience during celebrations for the arcade’s centenary. She does readings at the Camp Hill Antique Centre every fortnight on Saturdays. Bookings on 3843 4837 are essential.
Brisbane Arcade has always been a trailblazer when it comes to eating out. In the late 1960s, Arcade Bistro introduced the notion of ‘bistro’ dining to Brisbane – an exotic concept that included choosing your own fresh cut of meat, cooked to order, and served with a baked potato. The bistro could be found downstairs in the arcade’s basement.
These days, the space is beautifully occupied by Keri Craig Emporium.
The glamorous Emporium Fashion Café also expanded the dining horizons of Brisbane by introducing the city’s very first High Tea experience in the early 1990s.
You can still enjoy a splendid champagne High Tea at the café – a popular place for those seeking an elegant tea-taking experience for special occasions… or just because.
But not all confection comes in cake form.
For decades, chocoholics and sweet-tooths would flock to the bright and colourful Darrell Lea store at the arcade’s Queen Street entrance.
It was the meeting place when you came to the big smoke – and much loved for its treats, including the famous Rocky Road and Bo Peep jars of tiny boiled lollies.
WEEKENDER thanks Darrell Lea for providing photos of the Brisbane Arcade Store.
In 2024, Noosa Chocolate Factory occupies the same pole position and delights city shoppers and CBD workers with freshly-made sweets – including its own signature Rocky Road, hand-cut daily in store.
Home to Fashion Royalty
Since the mid-20th century, Brisbane Arcade has been home to the state’s most esteemed fashion designers, bespoke milliners and fine jewellers.
The tradition began with glamorous Gwen Gillam in the late 1940’s.
Gwen created and sold her cutting edge, made-to-measure gowns in the Brisbane Arcade – occupying both a retail salon (complete with plush lounge, mezzanine level and decorative cacti!) and a design workroom.
Gwen’s designs were influenced by European fashion houses, including Dior.
The Queensland Museum holds a treasured collection of Gwen Gillam dresses… prized cultural artefacts from the Brisbane Arcade’s and Queensland’s past.
During the 1980s and 90s, the arcade cemented its reputation as the home of Queensland’s fashion royalty.
Multi-RAQ Fashion award winner, Keri Craig, says the decades heralded the best years in Queensland fashion. Keri Craig Emporium still draws Brisbane’s discerning fashion seekers.
Brisbane Arcade has proudly continued its long tradition of makers-on-site with the likes of Irma J Smith; Tengdahl and Darb Bridal still creating their quality couture in workrooms, upstairs in the arcade.
WEEKENDER thanks vintage stylist, Ms Chrissy Keepence from Lindy Charm School and Wendy Diggles from Belle Folie for their mid-century make-over of presenter, Kimberley Busteed, for the story.
Renowned as one of Australia’s foremost vintage stylists, Mistress Chrissy’s hair, makeup and styling skills are highly sought after. Based in Queensland’s dazzling Gold Coast, Mistress Chrissy offers a number of exclusive services, including regular workshops to transform you with classic vintage looks – including 1920s Flapper, 1930s Hollywood Starlet or even 1950s/1960s cheese-cake pin-up.
Wendy Diggles is an accessory designer and maker as well as a bespoke milliner whose Brisbane Arcade store, Belle Folie, on the gallery level is a wonderland of glamour and style. Wendy says “Millinery, head wear, jewellery and accessories are a lovely form of personal art – enjoyment for the maker, the wearer and the observer.”
Shopping with Heart
Shopping at Brisbane Arcade is retail therapy at its finest – with so many unique stores to explore.
But few shoppers would be aware that a good portion of the money they splash around at the arcade goes to an incredibly worthwhile cause.
The Mayne siblings who built Brisbane Arcade in the 1920s were also great benefactors to the University of Queensland – even purchasing the land for UQ’s main St Lucia campus.
Mary Emelia and James Mayne had the foresight to create a Trust to own and operate the Brisbane Arcade after their deaths – with proceeds going towards the University of Queensland Medical School, including world-leading medical research.
So when you shop at Brisbane Arcade, you’re “shopping with heart” and helping countless others.
It’s a great reason to get on board with the city’s celebrations for the arcade’s centenary – and party vibes are already in the air. Maybe that should be on the air!
ABC Radio’s Brisbane Breakfast hosts, Loretta and Craig, have been inviting listeners to share their stories and memories of Brisbane Arcade in the lead up to a big birthday party in Queen Street Mall on Friday 19th April.
For more details of what’s happening to celebrate Brisbane Arcade’s Centenary of Style, check out the Brisbane Arcade website.
