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Aqua Profonda, Fitzroy Pool Postcard

Aqua Profonda, Fitzroy Pool Postcard

Vendor
Harper and Charlie
Regular price
$3.00
Sale price
$3.00
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Tax included.

This c.1954 hand-painted sign is listed on the heritage register for its social and historical significance due to its association with Australia’s post-war migration program. The sign was originally installed as an initiative of the pool manager who was constantly rescuing migrant children from the deep end of the pool: Mr Murphy asked an Italian friend what the words for "deep water" were in Italian and had them painted at the deep end. "Aqua" is actually a misspelling of the Italian word: the correct spelling is "acqua" ("aqua" is the Latin spelling).

A landmark since its earliest days, the sign began an ascent to iconic status with its use as a recurring motif in the famous 1977 Helen Garner novel 'Monkey Grip' (the subsequent film is an Australian new-wave classic). The beautiful metaphor of being in 'deep water' continues to inspire local artists such as Courtney Barnett, whose song 'Aqua Profonda' also preserves the famous misspelling.

Postcards featuring Harper and Charlie's range of original retro prints. Celebrate the culture, architecture and design of Melbourne and Australia with a tiny piece from Melbourne's contemporary design community!

Inspired by art from the 1950s and 60s, Harper and Charlie use vintage print techniques to achieve their authentic feel. If you look closely you might be able to spot the careful details - slipped registration, slight colour-bleed, or light scuffs in the design - that give these beautiful designs their warmth and character.

Material(s): Printed in Australia on 100 percent recycled 300gsm card.

Dimensions (cm): 14.8 x 10.5 (A6 standard postcard size).

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