POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Physical Description

Catalogue page, page 3 of 'Illustrated Catalogue (edition 1899) of Wunderlich's Patent Embossed Metal Ceilings, (Zinc or Steel), and every kind of Embossed Metal Ornaments for Architectural Purposes', Wunderlich Limited, Redfern, New South Wales, Australia, February 1899 Page 3, the preface to the 'Illustrated Catalogue (edition 1899) of Wunderlich's Patent Embossed Metal Ceilings, (Zinc or Steel), and every kind of Embossed Metal Ornaments for Architectural Purposes'. Written by Ernest and Alfred Wunderlich, the preface provided an overview of the business and stated that the catalogue was aimed at both the architectural profession and the public. The company linked its work with 'decorative construction' undertaken in ancient times. Because of the popularity of its products, the company had established a new branch of the business known as 'Art Decoration, Civil, Ecclesiastical and Domestic'. The artist, Phil W Goatcher, had been appointed as head the Designing and Decorative Department and 'his late decorative business is now incorporated with the business of this Company.' The Wunderlich brothers were concerned that 'An erroneous impression seems to prevail that our goods are "made in Germany", an impression we desire to correct. Ours is absolutely and entirely a LOCAL INDUSTRY, everything being designed, modelled and manufactured buy a staff of British and Australian subjects, at our headquarters, Baptist Street, Redfern.' In the preface the Wunderlichs also cautioned that the 'phenomenal success' of their business 'has caused unscrupulous imitators to spring up and profit by the demand we have created.