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The Artists' Ball: this flashlight glimpse in the basement of Sydney Town Hall speaks for itself September 1924

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National Library of Australia
[news-article95787297]
(Port Pirie Recorder, 16 September 1924, p1, via Trove)

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A Short History of the Black and White Artists' Club Scandalous nights - Sydney's artists' balls
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National Library of Australia

Scandalous nights - Sydney's artists' balls

Artists' balls have had a long tradition in Sydney; the first one was held as early as 1881 in the Garden Palace at the Royal Botanic Gardens after the International Exhibition. Taking their cue from their outrageous counterparts in Europe, the balls were attended by thousands of party-goers, raising money for charities and scholarships for young artists along with the ire of Sydney authorities. One in particular was the infamous 1924 ball at Sydney Town Hall, described by the 'Queen of Bohemia', Dulcie Deamer, as a 'Night of Great Scandal'

A Short History of the Black and White Artists' Club

The Society of Australian Black and White Artists was the first association of newspaper artists in the world. From 1924 to 1946, it hosted over 20 Black and White Artists' balls around Sydney, raising money and causing public scandal. The Black and White Artists' Club or the Australian Cartoonists' Association (as it is now known) has around 300 members

Dancing

Sydney Town Hall

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Built on the site of Sydney's first official European cemetery, the Town Hall was designed by architect JH Willson in High Victorian style and constructed of Pyrmont sandstone. The highly ornate interiors have seen pomp and ceremony, protests and performance, and the building remains a significant focus for the city.

Artists' Balls

Fancy dress balls were a regular highlight for Sydney's artists and bohemians from the 1880s though the alcoholic excesses and boisterous behaviour often lead to police intervention.

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