Brisbane Archives

Shirley’s Fertilisers perished in 1986 after being a prominent member of Brisbane’s art scene. Born on 92-102 Little Roma Street, Shirley’s Fertilisers was famous for encouraging farmers’ crop by supplying fertlilisers all year round.
More impressive and in August 1985, Shirley’s Fertilizers love for the Brisbane art scene became apparent transforming into an art centre, welcoming a fashion shop, a photographic gallery, a dance studio, and a work area for artists. Led by Lehan Ramsay, Robyn Gray and Anna Zsoldos Shirley’s Fertilizers invited the artist community and was known as ‘The Observatory Gallery’. Artists included Ivan Nunn, Rose Mere, Stephen Mackerras, Marion Drew, Penny Algar, Carmen Aquilina, Linda Rance, John Stafford, Richard Stringer, Jay Younger, Mark Webb, Lindy Collins, Phyllis Paterson, John Mansfield, Mark Ross, Despina Macris, Anna Bourke, Sheridan Kennedy, Michelle Andringa, Jeanelle Hurst, Jane Richens, Virginia Barratt, Peter Anderson and many others. On the 23rd of March 1986, ‘Demolition Show’ was held at the gallery inviting artists and Brisbanites to take part in Shirley’s Fertilizers remaining days. The show was in response to the demolition of buildings that were occurring all over Brisbane city and Queensland. Shirley’s Fertilizers therefore took part in these demonstrations against the ruling class’ systems of growth and development.
Shirley’s Fertilizers was survived by a hole for 18 years before being replaced by the 14- storey Brisbane Magistrate Court building and piazza.