Fibro Coast

Fibro Coast is a whimsical trip back to a lost carefree holiday era – a time before hotels and motels dotted the coast and holidaymakers camped or stayed in fibro shacks.

The unique design of these basic little cottages, owned by family or friends, revolved around simplicity, informality, and, increasingly, a connection to the outdoors. Today after decades of rampant development, which irrevocably changed the urban fabric of the coastline, some of these fibro buildings still remain, cloaked in layers of holiday memories, tiny time capsules of a time that has long since passed.

Curator Virginia Regney explains the role that fibro played in the unique nature of the beach cottage and its iconic architectural status in coastal history:
 “Fibro – asbestos sheeting – was thought to be a perfect material for a beach holiday cottage. Affordability, ease of construction and lightweight material allowed for DIY flair and a certain architectural playfulness and experimentation. The coastline of South East Queensland is the home of some unexpected architectural treasures.”

Importantly, the Fibro Coast exhibition serves to re-engage visitors with the cultural, architectural, artistic and design legacy of the important era in the lives of South-East Queenslanders, through the eyes of artists and architects.

Featured in the exhibition are works by great 20th century artists Vida Lahey and Lloyd Rees, who holidayed there from the 1920s and a who’s who of contemporary artists: Anna Carey, Rebecca Ross, Bruce Reynolds, Elaine Campaner, Byron Coathup, Dean Cogle, Judy Barrass, Susan Schmidt, Kymberley McElroy, Kelly Hussey-Smith and Alan Hill.

Alongside the exhibition, Fibro Coast also involves some fascinating talks and events, amongst them Lunchtime Curator Talks, a Hotel de Beche Morning Tea, and a Seminar on Remembering and Preserving the Fibro Coast. Highlights include:

Opening Event - Join architects, writers and artists in conversation with the curators to reflect on the beach holidays enjoyed in humble fibro shacks and throw new light on the history through their work and experience. Summer refreshments to accompany Feb 15 3-5 Free entry.

After Dark – Artist Talks/Vintage Fashion/Mid-Century GC  (Mar 6) and Making History New (Mar 13). Both of these great (Thursday) evenings involve entertaining and insightful talks by artists, designers and experts in their fields, food, music and a cash bar from 6pm. 5-8pm Free entry.

For the full program click here

Need to know: Anyone who has memories and photos of this era are invited to visit the Fibro Coast digital platform and share their own images.