https://cairoflats.com.au Cairo Flats Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:26:02 +0000 https://cairoflats.com.au en https://cairoflats.com.au/Home Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:38:30 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Home “Our calculations have proved that if the entire staircase were crowded with people it would support eight times that weight before breaking point was reached. I am convinced that the application of this use of concrete will introduce a new phase in architecture.”&nbsp;Best Overend, Herald Sun, 1936We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge that this land was taken without consent, and that reparations for the theft are long overdue. So, too, is recognition of the sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Without measures of redress, it's surely impossible to speak of Australian nationhood with any integrity. https://cairoflats.com.au/History Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:54:58 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/History Architectural History Cairo was completed in December 1936. It was designed by architect Best Overend of the firm H. Vivian Taylor, Soilleux and Overend of Little Collins Street Melbourne. Image: Perspective sketch titled ‘Proposed apartment house Fitzroy’. By Leonard A Bullen. Aerial view of building from north-west. Undated. Courtesy State Library of Victoria. <img width="2251" height="1500" width_o="2251" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e62058ed4b9c99e30ce9a06c25499b63b2471a37f04a8c13057ea88a5ca75d08/TO_16.jpg" data-mid="119568069" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e62058ed4b9c99e30ce9a06c25499b63b2471a37f04a8c13057ea88a5ca75d08/TO_16.jpg" /> Cairo occupies the site of the former Uxbridge House which from 1895 to 1934 served as a private hospital and from which the brick boundary wall at Hanover St is a surviving feature. Uxbridge house, built in the 1860’s, was demolished to make way for Cairo flats in 1935.Image: Uxbridge House, 90 (now 98) Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. Residence of William Bates, built 1890 (or earlier). It was run as a private hospital between 1915 to 1926. Unknown photographer. Undated. Courtesy Fitzroy Library <img width="2216" height="1476" width_o="2216" height_o="1476" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e514e6671c80eca61fb86e3924c4444c0f207a70cfe2b48a053b854fddbe5621/18184-Yarra-Libraries-picture-vicgovau.jpg" data-mid="120473940" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e514e6671c80eca61fb86e3924c4444c0f207a70cfe2b48a053b854fddbe5621/18184-Yarra-Libraries-picture-vicgovau.jpg" /> Best Overend was an enthusiastic exponent of modern architecture. His experience working with Wells Coates in London confirmed and progressed his modernist principles and his work there on the Isokon building - Cairo’s Northern hemisphere precursor - provided much of the design inspiration for what would soon emerge in Cairo. Image: Isokon Building, London. Completed 1934. Source: https://www.themodernhouse.com/past-sales/isokon-building/ Date and photographer unknown <img width="2251" height="1500" width_o="2251" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/eab42c4ef55fe3cd6551b0745badf84389039afc348a32f322dd4b1bd4b619bc/Get-original-from-Keith.jpg" data-mid="119566509" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/eab42c4ef55fe3cd6551b0745badf84389039afc348a32f322dd4b1bd4b619bc/Get-original-from-Keith.jpg" /> Cairo is a series of five buildings: three two storey accommodation blocks configured in a U-shape around a central garden; a single-storey garage building; and a small corner building which previously served as the communal dining room and kitchen. Image: Cairo. View of south block from central garden. Circa 1936. Photograher unknown. Courtesy Tronn Overend. <img width="2252" height="1502" width_o="2252" height_o="1502" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1cd579473700e4ae533deb4f9f26d504f162daee44e5b5e95d115868e1acdbb0/cairo_apts_detailed_HISTORY-SITE-PLAN.png" data-mid="122911453" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1cd579473700e4ae533deb4f9f26d504f162daee44e5b5e95d115868e1acdbb0/cairo_apts_detailed_HISTORY-SITE-PLAN.png" /> There are 36 apartments in total including 26 studios and 10 with separate bedroom. The site, previously under single ownership, was sold and subdivided in 1999.&nbsp; At that time, the former dining room was converted to a dwelling with a second storey added. In the subdivision, ground floor apartments were allocated a small portion of garden, first floor apartments were each allocated a portion of the flat roof within their private title and eight of the ten one-bedroom units were allocated a private garage. Original plans for a squash court above the garage, resident communal laundries, and rooftop shelters and canopies were omitted prior to construction. Anyone researching Cairo flats may be perplexed by the variety of descriptions. Many documents refer to it as a 40-apartment building (the number in the original brief), or as 28 bachelor flats (as cited in the Victorian Heritage Register), or 20 studios and eight one-bedroom flats (an incorrect elaboration of the 28 flat fallacy), and so forth. In fact there are very few citations which are entirely correct. It could be that the true number and mix of apartment types is unknowable. Has anyone really been in all of them? Is anyone entirely sure? We’ll keep the website updated with any new discoveries. The site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register which cites the building’s architectural and historical significance. The building is a prime exemplar of the minimum flat principle providing maximum amenity at minimum cost and space. It is also noted for its innovative and heroic use of concrete structure, particularly the central cantilevered external staircase. Image: Cairo. Cantilevered stairs. Circa 1936. Photographer unknown. Courtesy Tronn Overend. <img width="1500" height="2251" width_o="1500" height_o="2251" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fbda535592360046435e11d58fd2fc47fb4eda38bcf85aa694ba99ff4d21418e/To_6.jpg" data-mid="119569170" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fbda535592360046435e11d58fd2fc47fb4eda38bcf85aa694ba99ff4d21418e/To_6.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="2251" width_o="1500" height_o="2251" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/efcf762a88c2ea3a24cb12055c802de2ef05570294d135c8fbd767af1d71c0a3/To_10.jpg" data-mid="119569173" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/efcf762a88c2ea3a24cb12055c802de2ef05570294d135c8fbd767af1d71c0a3/To_10.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="2251" width_o="1500" height_o="2251" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/53da382473f26430879ece49c7ee143565a7c1b959c49428ffe5afe2ddae0f98/TO_08.jpg" data-mid="119566320" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/53da382473f26430879ece49c7ee143565a7c1b959c49428ffe5afe2ddae0f98/TO_08.jpg" /> https://cairoflats.com.au/Open-House Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:38:28 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Open-House Open House Melbourne&nbsp; Open House Melbourne is a self-sustaining, built environment focused public education organisation, and in 2011, continued its leadership role in this sector by becoming the first Southern Hemisphere member city to join the global network of Open House Worldwide. Their website can be found at www.openhousemelbourne.org Cairo is pleased to have participated in Open House Melbourne since 2013 and is looking forward to being part of the program again for 2025. Information about Cairo can also be found in the following books: 1/ HOMES IN THE SKY – Apartment Living in Australia By Caroline Butler-Bowden and Charles Pickett The Meigunyah Press (Melbourne University Publishing) pages 74 -75 2/ AUSTRALIA MODERN By Hannah Lewi and Philip Goad Thames and Hudson, Australia (2019) pages 38 – 39, pages 66 - 67 There are also two videos on YouTube that detail two studios in Cairo. These can be found at: Never Too Small Ep 33/23sqm-247sqft micro apartment Architect: Michael Roper of Architecture architecture Never Too Small Ep3/24sqm-258sqft Toolbox Micro Apartment Architect: Nicholas Agius Cairo was also featured in Series 2, “Designing a Legacy” Ep2 (09:36min) on ABC iView.https://iview.abc.net.au/video/AC2205H002S00 <img width="2216" height="1476" width_o="2216" height_o="1476" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/653991bf41e1386f2aa2048faab0601c51880c3ac55f8aec84bcc0ec6761201a/WebsiteFiller_022-Cropped-for-web-1500x2251.jpg" data-mid="119824055" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/653991bf41e1386f2aa2048faab0601c51880c3ac55f8aec84bcc0ec6761201a/WebsiteFiller_022-Cropped-for-web-1500x2251.jpg" /> <img width="2216" height="1476" width_o="2216" height_o="1476" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/59607e3c4d0636a43785001cd9d51fd9f7a07eb69217b1d7943afe9ed021c126/WebsiteFiller.__012-1500x2251.jpg" data-mid="119822803" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/59607e3c4d0636a43785001cd9d51fd9f7a07eb69217b1d7943afe9ed021c126/WebsiteFiller.__012-1500x2251.jpg" /> https://cairoflats.com.au/Guest-book Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:38:29 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Guest-book Living History Cairo Flats express architect Best Overend’s modernist vision of functional, efficient, and comfortable modern living, pointing to the evolving modern metropolis in which the building now proudly sits. Since its completion in 1936, ‘Cairo’ has been home to a rich array of occupants and references to ‘Cairo’ appear in both formal academic studies and fictional works. Acknowledging the longstanding interest in ‘Cairo’ amongst architects, social historians and local citizens, the Owners Corporation is seeking to capture the colour and flavour of this unique building and garden environment over the past eight decades. We welcome your contribution – in words and images to our shared ‘story’ in the hope that we can add to the public record of this special place. We invite former Cairo residents as well as anyone else with a significant connection to the building to contribute their reflections and memories of this special place using the online guest book. &nbsp;<img width="2252" height="1502" width_o="2252" height_o="1502" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/77205913fce5658acef5a9156bf69f68c8e7c7e1178ad394f9fb6131c92e3dd4/cairo_apts_detailed_guest-plan.jpg" data-mid="122912584" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/77205913fce5658acef5a9156bf69f68c8e7c7e1178ad394f9fb6131c92e3dd4/cairo_apts_detailed_guest-plan.jpg" /> Johnathon Roman Batchelor&nbsp; 2016-2018 | Flat #28 &nbsp; “During my Masters of Architecture, I lived in the Cairo Flats in Flat 28 while working in practice.” Each day, I climbed the cantilevered spiral stairs to my apartment, a ritual that became familiar. At night, however, the journey felt elevated, quiet, atmospheric, and deeply memorable in a way that stayed with me. &nbsp; Virginia Cummins Wood&nbsp; Mid 90s | Flat #25 &nbsp; “Mine was on the top left, east-side, with a mermaid etched on the glass screen by the green enamel bath, and a beautiful view of the full moon rising above the commission flats...” It was the nineties, I was young, rent was cheap and autonomy was priceless. I had my eye on Cairo after visiting my jeweller friend Tania Goldsmith who was living there at the time. It was a hub for Fitzroy creatives but kept on the low-down with its bushy facade and flats hidden from street view by sweeping peppercorn trees. A tiny fortress of sorts, secure enough for me to feel safe living alone in what was then, a dodgy neighbourhood. The charm of the place had me. The ticket in, was through a hand-written, hand delivered (and heartfelt) application. Then a big old chat over a cuppa with the friendly caretaker, whose uniform of choice was a white bonds singlet and trousers… and whose name I have sadly, long since forgotten. He lived on the bottom floor at the front of the south wing, and managed the buildings and grounds like a legend. If a spot came up and you were on his hand scrawled list - and deemed to be enough of a good fit, the apartment was yours to rent for a song. Mine was on the top left, east-side, with a mermaid etched on the glass screen by the green enamel bath, and a beautiful view of the full moon rising above the commission flats. Fitzroy was also shining. On our rostered days off from our restaurant jobs, my friends and I sunbaked topless on the tarred roof above my flat, we played pool at the Punters Club and danced all night at Teriyaki in Jason and Telford’s quarters above the Fun Factory shop on Brunswick street. Back at home, I folded my futon into a couch when guests came to visit, (only one or two at a time) and cooked tiny meals on my tiny stove in the world’s smallest kitchen. We ate with plates on our laps, (no room for a table) and drank tea on my little balcony while black birds ate the red berries of the giant cotoneaster tree alongside. Life was sweet, I made firm friends in those years and met and entertained some wonderful people at Cairo. It was a time and a place of so much magic. &nbsp; Brendan Egan&nbsp; 1983-1984 | Flat #25 &nbsp; “It was a wonderful place full of interesting people.” I lived at Cairo whilst working as an orderly at St Vincent's Hospital. It was a wonderful place full of interesting people. It was furnished with a single bed base with drawers. I had a drop side table and a bed side cupboard with a telephone on it. There was slot to hold the telephone book. My balcony looked down Hanover St to Brunswick St. The kitchen was tiny with an old Kelvinator fridge. I parked my Beetle in one of the garages in the back lane with wooden swing doors and padlocks. My next door neighbour was the Organist at St Francis Church in Lonsdale Street. She was a former Good Shepherd nun from Abbotsford Convent. She smoked like a chimney... long thin brown 'More' cigarettes. I would often have ciggy with her and talk theology especially Teilhard de Chardin! The corner shop at Cairo was sparsely stocked but I would buy my milk there from the grey haired grumpy lady. The garden was beautiful. I would pay my rent of $38 per week to the lovely Dutch couple who were the caretakers in the front flat. &nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1897" width_o="2000" height_o="1897" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5abc3185c0addf696e662911d0fb5014cb245b9ad620b6733aa342acc03f6ee8/Brendan-Egan.jpg" data-mid="243074059" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5abc3185c0addf696e662911d0fb5014cb245b9ad620b6733aa342acc03f6ee8/Brendan-Egan.jpg" /> Vittoria&nbsp; 1994 | Flat #2 &nbsp; “It was a magical place.”&nbsp; I was lucky enough to live in one of the few one-bedroom flats in 1994: Flat no. 2. It was a magical place. On Sunday afternoons I'd walk down to The Standard to enjoy the live music and to wistfully write in my journal...I was in my early 20's after all ;) I didn't stay for very long, moving out the following year...but I'll always have very fond memories of the place. &nbsp; <img width="2242" height="1494" width_o="2242" height_o="1494" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1a4a29fba293afbbd95eecd9c5e658799ece8d813355a1a0b50b2e963f2c3cb6/Sitting-in-No-2-1994.jpg" data-mid="213619356" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1a4a29fba293afbbd95eecd9c5e658799ece8d813355a1a0b50b2e963f2c3cb6/Sitting-in-No-2-1994.jpg" /> Peter S.&nbsp; 2010-2023 | Flat #22 &nbsp; “What I quickly appreciated was the tremendous ease of living in such a well-designed unit...” I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne in February 1960 to be with friends. Several of them were completing architecture courses in Melbourne, and so we would go on drives to look at and admire some of the great buildings across Melbourne, such as the works of Walter Burley Griffin. We would also drive to Eaglemont to look at its wonders, and the century cinema and its beautiful building. Outside of this was the building identified as Woolworth gothic on the corner of Swanston and Collins Street, which was admired by many. We also looked at Newman College and other various examples. On one of these journeys my friend David said, “based on your love of art deco I think that there is something that you would like to see” and so he then took me to Fitzroy to see Cairo Flats. Standing outside the front of the building, I was tremendously impressed with its immediate ambience - the brick colour, the gardens, the economical use of living space, but I was just a spectator peering in. It was not until years later when I was visiting a friend who was living in Cairo, that I first saw the inside of one of the units with its simple, dark wood furniture and custom fittings. Fast forward many years to me selling my house in Collingwood and deciding to relocate to Fitzroy and my first choice for living in Fitzroy was Cairo. What I quickly appreciated was the tremendous ease of living in such a well-designed unit and part of a friendly building filled with lovely people. Another thing I appreciated about the building was its contrast with the other buildings in Fitzroy travelling north. Fitzroy had a lot of slum housing at the time, and I was told by someone that you should not live around there but this did not deter me. What I had to adjust to when moving in, was the reality of moving from a three-bedroom house to a studio flat, and that took some time both mentally and practically with the dumping of some possessions. What facilitated me originally getting to know other people in the building was having Mabel - my black pug as a companion. She had come from the lost dog’s home, and she was the love of my life. She was with me for 13 years and she proved to be a wonderful facilitator for conversation and friendship. She made friends with Locky &amp; Verity, and during one year Verity commemorated Mabel with a number of sketches and drawings for me. I also have very fond memories of Sophie, a delightful French woman who lived in flat 14. She was in Melbourne to provide support for her grand-daughter and family in Melbourne, but she longed to return to France and climb the Pyrenees mountains. More recently, I loved the romance of Maximillian and Juliet bringing their touch with regular dining on the staircase and their intense commitment to their interests. When Mabel passed away, my daughter suggested that I take an adult cat with behaviour problems called – Stella, who was also from the lost dog’s home. It was an instant connection between us, and Stella soon became popular with other residents too. At night-time in Fitzroy, there is a street theatre of voices that surround the building, which I loved. During the day, it was delightful to see the use of the central garden, especially when children are playing and their voices and laugher float around the walls. I also liked to look out and see the theatre of daily life going on around the building and I constantly wondered, who would ever want to live in a sub-urban setting? Walking along on the upper walkway connecting the two wings of the building I liked to imagine that I am on a grand ocean liner travelling through the Carlton gardens. The circle windows and the curved staircases add to this fantasy for me. Many years ago, we were allowed to venture onto the roof of Cairo and gaze north, south, east, and west. I liked to stand up there and murmur “Melbourne belongs to me.” Throughout the pandemic, my family were reassured by the support that I had from other residents of the building around me. I received offers of shopping runs or delicious treats such as Annie’s baked goodies. What was also great is that there was respect for individual privacy. People didn’t stare into open doorways or shout or slam doors. I was constantly moved by the strong sense of community and consideration that exists in Cairo and I treasured it every day. &nbsp; Michael Young&nbsp; 1983-1991 | Flat #34 and 35 &nbsp; “The features of the apartments that stand out for me were the fittings.” I initially moved into flat 34 in 1983 and in 1987 moved into the two roomed 35. In that later period myself and several other occupants organised the odd garden party for residents and that shady enclosed space provided an idyllic setting in summer. Compared to other apartment blocks Cairo residents were pretty sociable and conversations in passing were commonplace. The features of the apartments that stand out for me were the fittings. Cupboards, drawers, benches looked as if they could have been built-in by a ship's carpenter...very compact and excellent space saving designs. What surprised me was that they were made mainly of N.Z. Kauri and what sadly shocked me was to see this beautiful timber being thrown into dump bins during the 'renovations' post 1999. (Along with the custom made cast door handles) All the flats had beautiful (once opening) porthole entrance door windows and the bathroom in my first flat had a glass shower screen with a delightful deco sandblasted image of a leaping dolphin. I wonder what happened to that? The flat also still had the original wall phone/handpiece inside the entrance for contacting the dining room in the N.E. corner of the block. The rooftop, theoretically out of bounds, leaked into the upper level flats until it was Malthoid resealed at the end of the 80's...the bubbling paint and plaster stayed on though. No roof insulation meant a hot time in Summer. I guess the steam heating would have been effective in winter but apparently the boiler in the S.E. corner blew up some years earlier and the built-in electric wall fans that replaced it no longer worked. When I was an occupant the former shop was more a concept than a business. It seemed to reluctantly sell milk and bread in only limited quantities and sweets for the noisy girls in the convent school next door. I think roaring Meg was the operator. &nbsp; Philip Goad&nbsp; 1986-1987 | Flat #32 &nbsp; “I remember picnics in the central garden” I lived at No.32 in Cairo flats, on the first floor, facing into the courtyard. At the time, I was studying for my PhD in architectural history at the University of Melbourne. I loved living there - despite it being very small. It was a bedsit and I envied very much those lucky enough to have one of the single bedroom flats. Other friends lived there, including graduate architects Jenny Branton, Peter Brew and Alex Lawlor (ground floor, north side). I remember picnics in the central garden; the original D-handles of the doors and the tiny kitchen was actually quite serviceable, the shop at the time I think was no longer operating. &nbsp; Brett&nbsp; 1987-1989 | Flat #14 &nbsp; “I recall that, at the time Cairo housed many architects and architecture students” In 1987 my girlfriend moved into flat 17 at Cairo Flats. The couple moving out of flat 17 had also rented flat 14. They were booksellers who had a shop in Gertrude Street and they used flat 14 as an office. Until then, I was living in St.Kilda and was fortunate to obtain an art studio space to work out of in Gertrude Street. I was also doing freelance illustration work from home, so moving into flat 14 in Cairo was perfect, being so close to my girlfriend and the art studio in Gertrude street. I recall that, at the time Cairo housed many architects and architecture students, as well as other artists. I remember that the exterior doors to each flat and the surrounds of the flats were painted in Forrest Green. The small shop was in operation in the side street, part of the Cairo complex. It sold newspapers, milk, bread, mainly basic items. The caretakers for the whole building lived in flat 18. The first couple was a Scottish couple and then they were replaced by an English couple. The caretakers were a little bit intrusive with checking out who was coming and going from the building. The owner of the building would also come round from time to time. He was a very nice elderly man and he was very proud of the building. I think his father may have been one of the original builders of the flats. Once he showed us onto the roof, a rare occasion, as he was worried about ladies in high heels puncturing the flat asphalt roof. We moved out of Cairo in 1989. The time living there was a really special part of our lives. &nbsp; <img width="690" height="458" width_o="690" height_o="458" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/82eaeb93382646c50fbd68f98125f75d8b3f639c68fd478e17020a6a16a1b5fc/A-friend-visiting-me-at-flat-14-in-1987.jpg" data-mid="170378982" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/690/i/82eaeb93382646c50fbd68f98125f75d8b3f639c68fd478e17020a6a16a1b5fc/A-friend-visiting-me-at-flat-14-in-1987.jpg" /> Lesley Duxbury&nbsp; March 1984 to Nov 1991 | March 1997 to 1999 &nbsp; “I could walk home from the city and be in a different world...” I lived in 4 different flats over 10 years. I loved each of them though preferred the upstairs ones. It was a little like living on a boat, small compact spaces with lots of storage. I liked hearing the little door that connected the outside to the kitchen (a former food deposit) when the mail was delivered. The only thing I didn't like was the carpet - always worn and awful colours but we weren't allowed to change them. We weren't supposed to go on the roof but the view from there was terrific and I managed to secure a space to store my bike in the garage and later, a car - a privilege! The garden was a great place for communal parties and no-one objected. In the early days residents included a number of single, elderly men and a mix of architects and artists, me included. I always thought of Cairo as an oasis in the city. I could walk home from the city and be in a different world in no time at all. <img width="1417" height="984" width_o="1417" height_o="984" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/962ad7243c7b83ff6afe429c94b2c6c06140f2e1d482d4c42830516d5d700d27/LD-Communal-garden-c1986.jpg" data-mid="173174335" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/962ad7243c7b83ff6afe429c94b2c6c06140f2e1d482d4c42830516d5d700d27/LD-Communal-garden-c1986.jpg" /> <img width="1417" height="965" width_o="1417" height_o="965" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/832cae28e167a1448207813f4ad05577a7fb199d6ffdfda6655d4f3862e20f0e/LD-Staircase-2.jpg" data-mid="173174333" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/832cae28e167a1448207813f4ad05577a7fb199d6ffdfda6655d4f3862e20f0e/LD-Staircase-2.jpg" /> <img width="1023" height="1417" width_o="1023" height_o="1417" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/60aac3d84b733c32240eb8c9c44436928efd11dbce589ad54525923bf06600b0/LD-From-roof-c1986.jpg" data-mid="173174332" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/60aac3d84b733c32240eb8c9c44436928efd11dbce589ad54525923bf06600b0/LD-From-roof-c1986.jpg" /> <img width="899" height="1417" width_o="899" height_o="1417" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c0431684a1346caf320888f5497dfcdd2ec3043ed871f0c1a663c3d1168a3334/LD-Under-the-staircase-c1986.jpg" data-mid="173174334" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/899/i/c0431684a1346caf320888f5497dfcdd2ec3043ed871f0c1a663c3d1168a3334/LD-Under-the-staircase-c1986.jpg" /> &nbsp; Karen&nbsp; 1994 &nbsp; “The place felt like an artist’s sanctuary.” Writing this account was a real trip down memory lane of my time in Fitzroy in my twenties. I lived in Flat 28 for about 18 months. Ken (from memory) was the resident caretaker at the time, and he had a strong English accent. His golden retriever would sunbake in the garden throughout the day. When returning to Cairo after work there would usually be someone painting or drawing in the gardens and it was common to hear someone playing a flute, guitar, or clarinet, which was lovely. The place felt like an artist’s sanctuary. There weren’t individual letter boxes in the 1990s, when I lived there, so Ken would collect the rent (which was $120 per week) and hand deliver your mail and leave it in the cubby hole next to your door.&nbsp; Bernadette Keys&nbsp; 1990's &nbsp; “The photographs from that night are unsettling, classical and noir” I recall being drawn into the mysterious visage of Cairo when living close by the apartments as a student in 1990. I was taken aback when my friend, the photographer Martin Kantor described his favourite block of apartments in Melbourne to me, as I recognised his description to be Cairo. He described in detail the architecture and history of the building and how he wanted to photograph me there for a project he was creating. From memory, the gardens were easily accessible with no locked gate or fence preventing the public from wandering in. On a freezing winter's night in 1992 we traipsed through the gardens and staircases of Cairo. The gardens were dark and quiet and still. Martin shot with his hasselblad camera using tri-x black and white film. The only light source was the outdoor lights of Cairo. Cloaked in my grandmother's heavy wartime overcoat, I stepped into the frame. The photographs from that night are unsettling, classical and noir. From that night on, the relationship between Martin and myself grew and we eventually had a son. Was it the photographs? Was it the night? Somehow I think the magic of Cairo drew us into its spell... &nbsp; Arni Rey Paras&nbsp; 1996-2001 &nbsp; “I remember a friend coming over and we would have guitar jams on the balcony.” I absolutely loved living at the Cairo flats. All those bachelor years were full of good memories. I remember thinking how for a small bed sitters there was a generous sized bathroom with a bath! I loved the individual mailboxes. Flat 14's kitchen was fitted with the world's smallest stovetop oven. I always loved the view of the garden in the U shape complex. I enjoyed looking out from where I'd set up my jewellery workbench. Can't remember the flat number for the front top one facing Nicholson Street. That was much bigger and suited when I had a girlfriend. It was carpeted unlike flats 13 &amp; 14 that had floor boards. I remember a friend coming over and we would have guitar jams on the balcony. I had a motorbike and would turn off the motor and wheel it alongside the flats to the back little shed. I never really used the spiral staircase much because of my flat numbers. I remember thinking how despite the fact that it was situated right on a main road being Nicholson Street the noise seem to get absorbed by all the beautiful plants that densely surrounded the place. I also quite enjoyed hearing the school kids next door. It was always good energy. All in all, I consider living at the Cairo flats for 5 years of my life having been very special. &nbsp; Robert Tickner&nbsp; 2011-2013 &nbsp; “I am honoured to be counted as a former resident…” I lived there on my own during part of the period when I was CEO of Australian Red Cross and so walked to work in Pelham Street every working day through the gardens.I lived very simply and the unit I lived in was not in particularly good condition. To be frank it had terrible rising damp for much of the time. That being said, I loved my time there very much and loved the history of the place, the architecture and gardens. There always seemed to be many interesting people living there but sadly I did not get to know many of them well as I worked very long hours and had to undertake a lot of travel for my work. I am honoured to be counted as a former resident and am very glad that the friends of Cairo apartments are rallying around to support this delightful little place in the heart of Melbourne. &nbsp; Best to all Robert Tickner&nbsp; Max and Juliet 2018-2020 | Flat #27 “Our time here will remain unforgettable.” As French citizens, we arrived two years ago from Wellington, New Zealand with absolutely no idea what Melbourne was going to offer us. We found this unit advertised on Gumtree on our first day and the rest is history. Inspired by our years of travels and by the campervan we built in NZ, we designed, and self-built a singular piece of joinery so we could call this place home. And what a home it has been! After flourishing personally and professionally and after meeting so many inspiring people, it is with heavy hearts that we are leaving Australia. We feel at peace with leaving Australia but, even though it is a hell of a chapter we are closing today, and the hardest thing is to leave behind these 24 square meters. How ironic is that? Thanks to everyone who made this journey so special and unique. Our time here will remain unforgettable. Thanks to all the beautiful moments shared with this community such as the endless chuckles on these iconic steps and on the walkway and the open-air cinema sessions in the summer. Cairo, you have been amazing to us. We will be eternally grateful.&nbsp; Merci, Merci, Merci&nbsp; Rosemary (&amp; Booboo) 2018-2020 | Flat #21 “I have loved spending time on the balcony and in the garden every day” Spending time living at Cairo has given me an even greater appreciation of beauty and simplicity.The simple but pleasing and elegant lines of the building mean that every outlook, sightline and view are a delight to the eye. I have loved spending time on the balcony and in the garden every day. I could marvel at the cantilevered staircase every time I see it. Cairo is a unique take on apartment living and I am so aware of the privilege and joy of living in such a gorgeous setting for a time. My lasting pleasure is found in the friendships made with neighbours. It is a good thing I didn’t move too far away so I can still visit often. With fond memories&nbsp; Marko 1992-2001 | Flat #06 “Then I saw the magnificent, cantilevered courtyard staircase” It was hardly a foregone conclusion that I should reside in flat six at Cairo – But I needed a place to live and when I entered the small room that was to be my home for the next nine years, I knew that this was the beginning of something unexpected. I wondered about the history of the place. The story that I heard went that the flats were predominantly occupied by medical students from the nearby St Vincent’s Hospital. I noticed the exquisite details of architecture and design of the place – the care that the builders and craftsman had taken with the rendering, plastering and the intricate detail of the door handles, railing, glazing and brickwork. Then I saw the magnificent, cantilevered courtyard staircase. God how could I have missed it when I first walked in. Ah but that was its majesty, its mystery! &nbsp; The flat was small, utilitarian but not without immediate charm. The redundant “squawk box” and nineteen twenties – style earpiece on the wall whetted my curiosity; what had been its function previously I wondered? After settling the details, I decided to take the room. I had burnt my bridges in Brisbane and Sydney months earlier and Fitzroy look like the right kind of place for a dissolute sole as I. Music, lust, and profligacy awaited. One of my first memories of living in the place was when I walked out and “Oh hello. I didn’t see you there…” I had seen alarming beehive hairdo’s before, but this woman’s horrifying hair took the cake. Even King’s Cross drag queens wouldn’t blush. She was the Cairo flats superintendent. Bless her! Well needless to say we got on fine. &nbsp; Ok., It was somewhat tepid at first – but soon enough I would get myself into some kind of suitable trouble. It didn’t take long – “Christ are they killing someone?”&nbsp; “Nah love that’s just the plumbing” – you’ll get used to it I was told. I know that I miss the place – screech! Ding Ding! https://cairoflats.com.au/Conservation Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:04:41 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Conservation Renovation and improvement projects&nbsp; The Cairo Flats Owners Corporation is committed to the conservation, maintenance and improvement of this important heritage-listed site. <img width="2156" height="1252" width_o="2156" height_o="1252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3f58a115af2d40d228bc8f576635650b9e4e03e554429b5970a27ae469e53ba/231115_cairo_hanover_wall_highlight.jpg" data-mid="197639070" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3f58a115af2d40d228bc8f576635650b9e4e03e554429b5970a27ae469e53ba/231115_cairo_hanover_wall_highlight.jpg" /> <img width="2156" height="1252" width_o="2156" height_o="1252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a62f6a106e3309b39db653fbf15d43d59e4e02c59c9e3b68ddc2c3e693398636/Wall-image-website.jpg" data-mid="197576642" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a62f6a106e3309b39db653fbf15d43d59e4e02c59c9e3b68ddc2c3e693398636/Wall-image-website.jpg" /> Hanover Street wall project The wall dates from the 1870's when the site was occupied by Uxbridge House. The wall was retained as the north boundary wall after the construction of Cairo Flats in 1936.Since then, trees, soil, water and time have all exerted pressure on the wall causing it to bend and tilt.&nbsp; Repairs are required to footings, brickwork, drainage and landscape. The wall will be dismantled brick by brick and once footing and drainage works are complete, will be carefully rebuilt under the guidance of our heritage consultants, and in line with the Heritage Victoria permit already obtained for the works. A contractor for the works has now been engaged with plans to establish a site enclosure in the coming weeks. We will be updating the Blog as the project progresses with photos and comments.&nbsp; Stay tuned. For further information If you are likely to be affected by the works and have any queries or concerns, please contact Mayfield Owners Corporation Managers on 03 9645 9981 or email info@mayfieldbcm.com.au&nbsp; https://cairoflats.com.au/Hanover-St-Wall-Update-September-2024-copy Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:26:02 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Hanover-St-Wall-Update-September-2024-copy Hanover St Wall –Restoration update #2 September 2024 We are excited to report on the progress of the restoration works to the Hanover St wall, now due to be completed October/November 2024. The Owners Corporation will continue working with Heritage Victoria and our landscape design team to finalise a replanting program along this boundary to recreate the high quality streetscape at this Carlton Gardens end of Hanover St. After completion of the 100 tonne steel-reinforced concrete footing and retaining wall, a state-of-the-art waterproofing and drainage system has been installed which provides the engineering solidity to take the 1870's Uxbridge House garden wall into the next century and beyond. The brick wall is being painstakingly reconstructed using period Hawthorn bricks, most of them salvaged, cleaned and stockpiled during the dismantling phase earlier this year. After a comprehensive audit, a number of replacement bricks had to be sourced or manufactured from scratch. Our heritage consultants (Conservation Studio) worked with our contractor (HBS Group) to ensure standard and decorative bricks were found or created to match the 150 year-old bricks in the original wall. Each brick type was sampled or prototyped for accuracy of colour, texture, and size. A number of samples were rejected, and brick moulds remade before final approvals were granted. Great care has been taken to ensure appropriate blending of the selected bricks to deliver authentic heritage character. The wall has been reconstructed using traditional lime-mortar techniques which date back to Egyptian antiquity and used extensively in Roman and Greek times. We are fortunate to have bricklayers that are highly skilled in deploying these traditional techniques. The Nicholson St. corner pillar has been rebuilt on its bluestone plinth and adorned with the original pyramidal capping stone. This project has been a substantial undertaking for the Cairo Owners Corporation and sets the standard for upcoming maintenance projects elsewhere around the site. We would like to sincerely thank all those involved including our residents, neighbours and visitors for their patience and understanding during the construction period. We are also grateful to our consultants and contractors who may remember this project with a combination of pride and accomplishment (even though there were some tricky challenges, which is to be expected of a project of this nature). A special mention also goes to Mayfield Body Corporate, our owners corporation manager, for expert guidance and support over many years. <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/08ab0e88685ef76ba08552f457527c23c397c5b4d936abfa1babebfba73b4994/IMG_4050.JPG" data-mid="218654069" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/08ab0e88685ef76ba08552f457527c23c397c5b4d936abfa1babebfba73b4994/IMG_4050.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6c7214ef60560b1a5b67e78ad74114d9d624a7cebaf6354c3c6c413a00218971/IMG_5022.jpg" data-mid="218654070" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6c7214ef60560b1a5b67e78ad74114d9d624a7cebaf6354c3c6c413a00218971/IMG_5022.jpg" /> <img width="2012" height="2682" width_o="2012" height_o="2682" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7cf7c42204dcd8ef892ae66a77c36bdb3627e41f5f6303bcf0f0d28f5a084f25/IMG_5886.JPG" data-mid="218654010" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7cf7c42204dcd8ef892ae66a77c36bdb3627e41f5f6303bcf0f0d28f5a084f25/IMG_5886.JPG" /> <img width="1400" height="1050" width_o="1400" height_o="1050" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/14fe8421446a74ebf6943a153a620f874ef9324f4ae3956e80ad296c23a2fca1/IMG_5890.JPG" data-mid="218654002" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/14fe8421446a74ebf6943a153a620f874ef9324f4ae3956e80ad296c23a2fca1/IMG_5890.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/381357255fd79241a9f7c168adc3396e13bdf2c851d1eab85aa6f9ef2b332a84/IMG_5599.JPG" data-mid="218654004" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/381357255fd79241a9f7c168adc3396e13bdf2c851d1eab85aa6f9ef2b332a84/IMG_5599.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6d516d0e22498c96d610e4489d9a25e4ef5fa259997460b7026d8773aefcb0c7/IMG_5888.JPG" data-mid="218654003" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6d516d0e22498c96d610e4489d9a25e4ef5fa259997460b7026d8773aefcb0c7/IMG_5888.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e8f8d0109bcc5c75f2c487af95abfc5882bde8aefa60aeee1bd701d7e68d322c/IMG_6363.JPG" data-mid="218654007" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e8f8d0109bcc5c75f2c487af95abfc5882bde8aefa60aeee1bd701d7e68d322c/IMG_6363.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3bca07c742d651115a13cb8456165e2cace8f4dbba0bc52b7511f91afe9a5104/IMG_4339.JPG" data-mid="218654005" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3bca07c742d651115a13cb8456165e2cace8f4dbba0bc52b7511f91afe9a5104/IMG_4339.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3d6c34a4056ee5786b7ecfa1b6d8eda0f78a7274fbb68ccfcd41748f033e4cb2/IMG_6343.JPG" data-mid="218654009" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3d6c34a4056ee5786b7ecfa1b6d8eda0f78a7274fbb68ccfcd41748f033e4cb2/IMG_6343.JPG" /> <img width="3009" height="2257" width_o="3009" height_o="2257" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9d10cf5a37996f2c381c4af2d20f33f71f740db834371c788322ffbfde9d0f05/IMG_6349.JPG" data-mid="218654008" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9d10cf5a37996f2c381c4af2d20f33f71f740db834371c788322ffbfde9d0f05/IMG_6349.JPG" /> <img width="1050" height="1400" width_o="1050" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e68152fc9ee5ddc8b7723df912759468c6a42c2d1902aa12fc228ba077914ad5/IMG_6366.JPG" data-mid="218654617" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e68152fc9ee5ddc8b7723df912759468c6a42c2d1902aa12fc228ba077914ad5/IMG_6366.JPG" /> <img width="1400" height="1050" width_o="1400" height_o="1050" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/05df31bbca35fb4a9195b9f78beff8028ec3431455fdcc85028fac2791b1938b/IMG_6368.JPG" data-mid="218654006" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/05df31bbca35fb4a9195b9f78beff8028ec3431455fdcc85028fac2791b1938b/IMG_6368.JPG" /> https://cairoflats.com.au/Hanover-St-Wall-Update-May-2024 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:16:58 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Hanover-St-Wall-Update-May-2024 Hanover St Wall –Restoration update #1 May 2024 Works on the wall received approval and commenced at the end of February, with completion expected by the end of September 2024. After securing the site behind a large street hoarding, contractors begun dismantling the wall by hand and small machinery. Fortunately, the majority of the original hawthorn bricks were salvageable, except for those in two newer sections of the wall that had been rebuilt in 2007 with high strength concrete mortar. The bricks have been cleaned and stockpiled, while we await a final count to determine how many will need to be sourced and replaced. Our large elm and peppercorn trees that lined the northern wall were carefully cut down revealing the entire north side of the building for the first time in nearly 90 years, with root removal recently completed to make way for the next critical phase of works, excavation for new stormwater drainage system, concrete footing &amp; retaining wall to be completed in the weeks ahead. <img width="1400" height="1020" width_o="1400" height_o="1020" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cc0659ca5d6d96f8ce06172da91c8894d48f4b71bddfab48e154ecd96bbf0a33/IMG_1281.JPG" data-mid="211497873" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cc0659ca5d6d96f8ce06172da91c8894d48f4b71bddfab48e154ecd96bbf0a33/IMG_1281.JPG" /> <img width="1400" height="1020" width_o="1400" height_o="1020" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ceb23b9306ea34a2d18f9fecc32b110d20d828e8b8a680d9687950c153e2ce97/IMG_1590.JPG" data-mid="211497881" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ceb23b9306ea34a2d18f9fecc32b110d20d828e8b8a680d9687950c153e2ce97/IMG_1590.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c91ec75a51e6f5868ef1b929c99c8662555e33fde7772b04d8b6c407eff02e3b/IMG_2091.JPG" data-mid="211497879" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c91ec75a51e6f5868ef1b929c99c8662555e33fde7772b04d8b6c407eff02e3b/IMG_2091.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/32e959b998c5c9466bcc63da0b347fbc1e949d2f8d55157560beaf3c1705531b/IMG_1273.JPG" data-mid="211497869" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/32e959b998c5c9466bcc63da0b347fbc1e949d2f8d55157560beaf3c1705531b/IMG_1273.JPG" /> <img width="1400" height="1020" width_o="1400" height_o="1020" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/68f07e9fa5ae7353fbdff183bfadbc5ef14ef8d7469551fa1c43cee8ccb7c80b/IMG_2486.JPG" data-mid="211497884" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/68f07e9fa5ae7353fbdff183bfadbc5ef14ef8d7469551fa1c43cee8ccb7c80b/IMG_2486.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f30ea51780d20ffbc2237cc22be9136d188fd9d8e7b513c5acca98ba291d6394/IMG_2800-NEW.jpg" data-mid="211498126" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f30ea51780d20ffbc2237cc22be9136d188fd9d8e7b513c5acca98ba291d6394/IMG_2800-NEW.jpg" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/83702e445a0f618948b7d20da8df067e1bcb2d855f5ca7b107dcf4d657ee0390/IMG_2191.JPG" data-mid="211497897" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/83702e445a0f618948b7d20da8df067e1bcb2d855f5ca7b107dcf4d657ee0390/IMG_2191.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c3bf65594d4466db1c583cb5ae4b28632c9aadd306589926bef6cfc0fe827f0/IMG_1486.JPG" data-mid="211497875" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8c3bf65594d4466db1c583cb5ae4b28632c9aadd306589926bef6cfc0fe827f0/IMG_1486.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/aad40d82a841317fd6f17090175a6dd2ffc5f4036a360e10c1f454c43f56a9fb/IMG_1279.JPG" data-mid="211497871" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/aad40d82a841317fd6f17090175a6dd2ffc5f4036a360e10c1f454c43f56a9fb/IMG_1279.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/50cfaa7b262f620338f5d425f1b42e48e69846f1ba7c3bcf39e1d9a90b8c80e6/IMG_2320.JPG" data-mid="211497883" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/50cfaa7b262f620338f5d425f1b42e48e69846f1ba7c3bcf39e1d9a90b8c80e6/IMG_2320.JPG" /> <img width="1020" height="1400" width_o="1020" height_o="1400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/09f9b84b4cf64ebaa4cb502b750251285cdab4bfbe77e18b94129522c40f3d53/IMG_2098.JPG" data-mid="211498276" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/09f9b84b4cf64ebaa4cb502b750251285cdab4bfbe77e18b94129522c40f3d53/IMG_2098.JPG" /> <img width="1400" height="1020" width_o="1400" height_o="1020" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bcb9fff24dea642680a8bb1c3b0f307e656dc6195b3e1afc88c5b6de11662922/IMG_1587.JPG" data-mid="211497882" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bcb9fff24dea642680a8bb1c3b0f307e656dc6195b3e1afc88c5b6de11662922/IMG_1587.JPG" /> https://cairoflats.com.au/Conversation-with-C-Womersley Wed, 22 Jun 2022 05:49:27 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Conversation-with-C-Womersley In conversation with Chris WomersleyJuly 2022 It has been approximately nine years since Cairo was released in 2013. What are your thoughts about the book now?Cairo was a fun book to write, and I am fond of it still due to it being partly based on my memories and feelings of being young and living in and around Fitzroy. When I go back to it, I feel like I can access that feeling that Tom has of being young and wanting to hang around with the cool kids. The book is also a bit of a love letter to Melbourne. Some of the key locations conjure up a certain nostalgia of the city during previous decades. What are your first memories of Cairo Flats? My first memories of the building relate to living in and around Fitzroy in my twenties and walking along Nicholson Street or catching a tram into the city. Looking through the front fence, I remember the building having a sense of alure. To be honest though, I feel like I did not properly pay attention to the building until I started writing the book in 2010. A friend that I worked with in a previous job lived in Cairo Flats and invited me in. This was the first time that I was able to have a proper look around and take some photos. Did you do any research about Cairo Flats or speak to any residents before writing Cairo? My original idea was to set Cairo in a generic block of flats and give the flats the name - Alexandria, after the famous city. I did not make this point in the book, but one reason I chose the building was that it is idiosyncratic and in a deco style. I also liked the fact that it was built around the time that Picasso painted the Weeping Woman. Once I chose Cairo Flats as one of the key locations, I did a little research on the internet, but I did not need to do an extensive amount of research about the building because I was fictionalising it in some respects. What was the most surprising thing you heard in feedback after publishing Cairo in 2013? One of the things that surprised me most was the number of people who contacted me saying that they knew someone who used to live at Cairo Flats, or someone saying that they went to a party in Cairo, that kind of thing. The building was more embedded in the cultural memory than I had given it credit for, when I was writing the book. The second thing was the number of theories that people contacted me with, regarding the theft of the Wheeping Woman painting in 1986. There are a couple of people who still email me periodically with their latest theories on the theft. When Framed – the television series came out in 2021, I got even more emails about various theories from people who had read Cairo. Is there anything about the story of Cairo that you would have changed if you were releasing the book now? When I was writing the book, I largely went off the newspaper articles about the theft to shape the story of Cairo and I sometimes regret that I did not talk to people in the art world to get their perspective on what happened. I don’t think I knew the fact that the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) students had access to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) via a door that was unlocked. If I had known this, I think I would have probably used it in the story of Cairo. What is your theory about how the painting was stolen and if the real one was returned? After hearing multiple theories since the book was published, my take on it is that it was a bunch of artists, and it was a bit of a prank. I don’t think that they had the ability to properly launder the painting, so it was returned. Before the book was released one person asked me if I had heard the theory that the painting that was returned to the gallery was a forgery? I actually did not know that this was a popular theory, but I did use it in the book for the purposes of the story. Having looked at the painting close-up, I don’t think it would be that hard to forge, so it is plausible that a forgery was returned, rather than the original. There has got to be at least half a dozen people who are still alive today, who know for certain who was involved in steeling the Weeping Woman back in 1986. How is your new novel - The Diplomat connected to your previous novel Cairo? The Diplomat is a companion piece to Cairo, not a sequel and it takes up the story of Edward, five years later in 1991. Edward returns to Melbourne after his wife has died and he has one last thing that he needs to do that involves him to going down to the Diplomat Hotel, which is a real building that used to be in Acland Street. I had a vision of a series of novels that are all named after different places, that take up the story of different characters. The original working title for The Diplomat was St Kilda, but then I settled on The Diplomat because like Cairo, it’s a place but, it is also ambiguous to draw the reader in. You open Cairo with Pablo Picasso’s quote “Good artists copy, great artists steal”. What have you stolen? [laughs]. Everyone borrows ideas from others, but the trick is to make it your own. I still have a copy of On the Road by Jack Kerouac, that I stole from a bookstore in Bourke Street in about 1983. I feel a little bad about that now. What’s your favourite under-appreciated book? I don’t know if it is under-appreciated but there is a 12-volume series of books called A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell. Whilst I was writing Cairo, it was one of the books that gave me the idea of a writing a sequence of books because his books are sort of stand-alone works but characters in it appear, disappear, and then reappear later in the series. A Dance to the Music of Time is a beautifully written and very moving. In my opinion it is well worth the time invested in it. Interview with Chris Womersley conducted at Cairo Flats © 2022. Enquiries:www.cairoflats.com.au/contact www.chriswomersley.com/contact <img width="389" height="594" width_o="389" height_o="594" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/36899d30455ecc5f50fc41c15510f4b3379920bad3ea49f3e0d50110d70633b1/Cairo-Chris-Womersley-sm.jpg" data-mid="147491613" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/389/i/36899d30455ecc5f50fc41c15510f4b3379920bad3ea49f3e0d50110d70633b1/Cairo-Chris-Womersley-sm.jpg" /> <img width="389" height="594" width_o="389" height_o="594" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fa56fff388eb77f9266436cf48929196fde394c6eed1a10dafa5584aa784ff1b/The-Diplomat-Chris-Womersley-sml.jpg" data-mid="147491612" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/389/i/fa56fff388eb77f9266436cf48929196fde394c6eed1a10dafa5584aa784ff1b/The-Diplomat-Chris-Womersley-sml.jpg" /> &nbsp;&nbsp; https://cairoflats.com.au/Contact Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:38:30 +0000 Cairo Flats https://cairoflats.com.au/Contact ContactCairo Flats 98 Nicholson Street Fitzroy VIC 3065 E: info@cairoflats.com.au︎︎︎ Instagram&nbsp;︎︎︎ Facebook︎ Twitter For more informationIf you would like to know more about Cairo Flats, its restoration projects, heritage status and open days, please contact us on the email address above. If you have images or historical documents that you think may be of public interest please use our guest book to upload files. <img width="2216" height="1476" width_o="2216" height_o="1476" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9dafb4450f1144f0333314a9f97e3f9080a4130a0de44c2910e7c73b703c466e/Image-credit-Annie_O7-building-sign2.jpg" data-mid="119823934" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9dafb4450f1144f0333314a9f97e3f9080a4130a0de44c2910e7c73b703c466e/Image-credit-Annie_O7-building-sign2.jpg" />