Once a furniture factory, this 100 year old warehouse has been re-created by artist Wallace Erwin Randolph. Randolph as he likes to be called, obtained the lease almost 10 years ago when the warehouse was just a shell in a rundown state. He saw beyond that saying it had a gorgeous amount of space and looked very inviting. Randolph has since spent much time and effort creating what it has become today.
Usually when renting, even hammering a nail into the wall is frowned upon by the owner but in Randolph's case his unusual style of decorating has built a wonderful relationship with his landlord. As the tenant, Randolph redecorates the place in his own time, at his own cost and in return for having his house improved, the landord allows Randolph to experiment with his artwork on all walls and floors.
When they first moved in, Randolph and partner Basia began searching for materials to enhance their new home. The treasure hunt began on building sites and at old railway yards in search for second hand timber. Recycled materials have been used from the ground up, in keeping with the character of the building. Materials such as the floors in the kitchen and dining room and the support poles used throughout the warehouse were collected from the old White Wings flour factory at Chippendale. Randolph wanted the renovations to be true to the era of the building and not impose a hard edge feel and he says, although the house and furnishings may look fine and finished, he likes them to look like they have always been there.
Randolph has formed rooms in the warehouse including a bedroom, office, storage room and an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. He has applied painted finishes on the walls, floors, fittings and furniture and has also created a striking rooftop garden that has become home to many pigeons and a shelter from the noise down below a busy city intersection. The garden is often used for entertaining or simply as a viewpoint to watch the sunset over rooftops in the distance.
Randolph's art studio is a well lit room on the ground level and is bordered by shelves on which pots of paint, brushes and other art paraphernalia sit. He works on a large bench that sits on wheels so it can be moved around the studio as required.
Over the years Randolph has formed a collection of unique figurines, sculptures, kewpie dolls or things which are simply cute or quirky from markets, garage sales, shops or the side walk. These bits and pieces are often incorporated in his artwork and displayed throughout the home.
One would think that after the time Randolph has spent recreating this warehouse he would never want to move out but he says he understands all dwellings are temporary and the thought of it being demolished is almost essential.
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