Vandyke Brothers promotional Christmas card

SPF/3769

fonds

approximately 1950

Graphic Materials, Prints

9666028

1 print - colour line block, multi-panel foldout card - 173 x 12 cm

Vandyke Brothers Pty. Ltd. were a building company based in Lakemba founded by Anthony, John and Christopher. In 1936, they patented a prefabrication system of home construction called ‘Sectionit,’ and produced hundreds of prefabricated fibro houses for the NSW Housing Commission through the 1940s and 1950s. In 1955, the company folded after the NSW government ceased contracting it.

George Molnar was born in Nagyvárad, Hungary (later Oradea, Romania) in 1910. He came to Australia in 1939 and worked as an architect, cartoonist, watercolourist, illustrator and university lecturer. He died on 16 November 1998.

Sources:
Josef Lebovic Gallery. "Ye History of Prefabrication in Terra Australis". Accessed 3 November 2023. https://www.joseflebovicgallery.com/pages/books/CL205-45/george-molnar-1910-1998-hungarian-aust/ye-history-of-prefabrication-in-terra-australis-promotional-christmas-card-from-vandyke

Design & Art Australia Online. "George Molnar". Accessed 3 November 2023. https://www.daao.org.au/bio/george-molnar/biography/

Item was found in a prefabricated fibro house in Yagoona, New South Wales.

1 multi-panel foldout card promoting the Vandyke Brothers Homes company titled "Ye History of Prefabrication in Terra Australis". Illustrated in the style of a Medieval relief in black, yellow, blue and red and shows a series of panels reading "Ye people have had it ; ye houses are short ; ye Vandyke prefab house is planned: ; and built ; in search for ye new: ; Christopher Vandyke discovers Europa ; Johnoldam ; Paris ; Ye natives were friendly but Christopher prefers ; ye prefab ; and ye people say: Vandyke dinkum Aussie house is bonza ; here ye Vandkye brothers wish you ye very merry Christmas".

In copyright:
Copyright holder:: George Molnar
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy George Molnar

Initialled "G.M." in last panel.

Date taken from vendor catalogue.