Piddington Wing and Playhouse building project
1997 Project
The official opening of Piddington Wing and the Playhouse was performed by the Governor, Major General Peter Arnison, on 17 October 1997.
The naming of the wing recognised Margaret Piddington (Principal 1947 – 1958) for her outstanding contribution towards raising funds for the College. The Playhouse was named in honour of generous benefactor May Hancock.
The following quote is from Dr Rhyl Hinwood’s book, A sculptor’s vision – creating a legacy in stone. The quote discusses the bronze sculpture that sits in the foyer of the May Hancock Auditorium (Playhouse).
"After construction, a generous gift from a college alumnus allowed for a meaningful artwork to be commissioned. I gained an understanding of the proposed uses of this new facility, and created an artwork entitled ‘Response’. Within weeks my design concept was approved, the pattern was made and moulded, and then it was cast in bronze. The morning the patination was completed, my husband collected the artwork from the foundry. The bronze was still so hot that Rob had to wear leather gloves for the installation – just in time for the arrival minutes later of Major General Peter Arnison AC CVO, Governor of Queensland, to officiate at the opening ceremony."
— Dr Rhyl Hinwood: A sculptor’s vision – creating a legacy in stone
The exterior of Piddington Wing.
The exterior of the College Playhouse, which houses the May Hancock Auditorium.
The May Hancock Auditorium before its refurbishment in 2022.
A close-up of Response by Rhyl Hinwood, which was commissioned through a generous gift from a College alumna. This cast bronze is a feature in the College Playhouse foyer.