Launceston has often been described as an "architectural zoo" with many different types of built heritage in the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The stories of these buildings give an intimate glimpse of life behind the curtain of the people who lived there, who designed them and the people who made Launceston their home.
Those stories have always held a personal fascination for Dr Eric Ratcliff who, aside from a small stint living away, has lived in Launceston for most of his life.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"My Dad always wanted to be an architect, but he never did, but I always remember from a young age that he would take me around town and point out things about the buildings," Dr Ratcliff said.
"So I developed an interest in architecture and society from a young age, by talking with my Dad."
Dr Ratcliff said learning about the stories behind some of Launceston's most famous buildings inevitable brought with it tidbits of the city's societal life, which he also found incredibly fascinating.
It will be the subject of the upcoming annual John West Memorial Lecture, presented by the Launceston Historical Society.
John West was an influential Launcestonian, who, among other things, founded The Examiner in 1842 and served as its first editor.
Dr Ratcliff said Launceston had many examples of lots of different types of architecture, which served as reminders of the many influential people who made their start in the city.
"Launceston was often characterised as being a little bit rebellious, we did things our own way," he said.
An example of that was the decision made by the settlers of the time, who decided Launceston would be best as the headquarters of the North instead of George Town.
Launceston has also been described as the home of enterprise and small business in the past and has links to early Australian aviation, and was the centre for transport and maritime endeavours.
Dr Ratcliff said he wanted to share some of his stories about what John West's Launceston would have looked like, to encourage others to learn more about the past and how it impacts the future.
The 33rd annual John West Memorial Lecture will be held on March 12 at 8pm at the Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre, University of Tasmania's Newnham campus.
Tickets are selling fast, but due to COVID requirements the lecture will also be shown digitally via Zoom.
There are online bookings available via Eventbrite and the Launceston Historical Society directly.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner