Headed down to UWA (The University of Western Australia) the other day. UWA was situated in the Matilda Bay area - a really peaceful and scenic part of Perth, yet it was so near the city as well. I wonder how it's like to be at UWA and be so close to the city...how convenient will that be? Then again, I'm close to Fremantle - which is a bonus for me, because Fremantle's my favourite hangout place :)
Anyway back to UWA. We entered an art gallery through one of the side entrances, and walked around a bit in the gallery. There were lots of gorgeous paintings and artworks displayed, and I think there're some special showcases going on in there.
The Art Gallery was situated near the famous Sunken Gardens. This spot was one of our favourite spots for photos, as it was so nice and provided a really good atmosphere for us. I really enjoy outdoor shoots...I prefer to be out and about.
Another thing I like about UWA - the gorgeous buildings built in the early 1900s. UWA was established in 1911 (took students in 1913) and is part of the Group of Eight (universities). It's over 100 years old this year...gosh!
The limestone pillars were not as intricate as what we'd see in the University of Melbourne, but it still has a touch of elegance. I love being around old buildings...especially those sandstone ones. So gorgeous!
Autumn colours! Although it is supposedly winter now. There's so many maple trees along the way to UWA, and they look so gorgeous. Well - most of them should be bare by now I think.
The famous icon of UWA - Winthrop Hall. This was named after Sir John Winthrop Hackett, the founding Chancellor of UWA. Winthrop Hall is used for many purposes, including those dreaded exams! More to that later!
Winthrop Hall can be seen from afar...and is also visible from the Kwinana Freeway! I've spotted the iconic clock tower of Winthrop Hall from the train before.
There we go - the iconic clock tower and some intricate carvings on the top of the building.
To add on to its magnificence - intricate Corinthian-style pillars on one of the higher floors. Would like to go up there someday, but I heard it is out of bounds to students.
The other side of Winthrop Hall, where the main entrance is (towards the left).
Socrates and Diotima - on either side of the Hall. This was on the side where the pond was situated. There's a small pond right in front of Winthrop Hall, and ducks love to swim in there!
Decided to enter for a better look, and we were awed by the floor decorations, the stained glass...everything! I took lots of pictures here, especially the stained glass windows. And I'm so glad the sunlight was in my favour that day - it certainly helped in my pictures!
I actually scrutinised each window and took pictures of the different designs I saw. Imagine if the lights were to be replaced by candles...
And oh, the "fun" didn't stop there. When I saw that the main entrance to the hall was open, I decided to enter for a better look...and this was what I first saw.
Well - the coast was clear. So I went in...and my jaw dropped. Check out how impressive this place is! Stained glass windows on either side, and a massive round stained glass window right at the end, where the pipe organ is!
There was supposed to be a written exam in this hall - at 2pm if I did remember correctly. But since there wasn't anyone in the hall, and since it was wide open, why not walk in for a better look? I definitely stayed for quite some time, trying to take as many pictures as I could. I wonder how it is like to take exams in this magnificent venue. I've taken exams in the Royal Exhibition Building (REB) in Melbourne but that's kinda different to what I see here. REB is way bigger. And has murals and roof paintings! Oh gosh I'd really love to step into the REB again...and explore Carlton Gardens. I miss that place terribly, although it was a place where I took those dreaded exams.
And I should say this again - the lighting was definitely in my favour :) Thank you, sunlight!
Zoomed in to that massive round stained glass window right at the end as well. The individual glass portions were simple, but the window in general was so intricate...and so gorgeous.
The windows on the side were simpler, but equally elegant. And colourful!
Decided to get ourselves out of the hall before anyone noticed us. Check out the round stained glass window from the outside! Looks pretty different to what we see from the inside!
Explored the old buildings for a bit, since these were closest to the main entrance. If I'm not wrong, this is where the Chancellor's office is.
Wandered a bit further to explore the Geology building and its surroundings too. These were the main parts we explored. We didn't go further as I wasn't too familiar with UWA.
This pathway here kinda reminds me of Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne. Speaking of which, I should really go back to Fitzroy Gardens when I go back to Melbourne. And all of those places which I missed last time.
Lots of lovely roses blooming right outside Winthrop Hall! The scent was amazing. I couldn't sniff too deeply though, if not I'd get a bout of hay fever for sure.
Speaking of Melbourne (and the University of Melbourne)...I'm actually making a trip to Melbourne in early July! YAY!! Time to go exploring Lygon Street and start walking around all those places! I'm gonna feel so nostalgic for sure. But I shall aim to go back to Melbourne for good someday!