Rather than selecting decorative works, we developed a collection of striking black-and-white photography that captures the energy, rebellion and glamour of the late twentieth century. Featuring legendary musicians, actors, models and cultural icons, the collection introduces moments of familiarity and nostalgia while reinforcing Gowings’ narrative of theatre, fashion and rock-and-roll sophistication.

Throughout the restaurant, large-scale photographic portraits punctuate the interiors, creating moments of visual pause within the richly layered dining experience. A dramatic salon-style installation anchors one of the restaurant’s key spaces, while individual portraits are thoughtfully positioned throughout dining rooms, private corners and open kitchen areas, allowing guests to continually discover new characters as they move through the venue. The monochromatic palette complements Nic Graham’s warm materiality—bronze tones, black tiled walls, textured plaster, dark timber and heritage brickwork—without competing for attention.

The collection was curated to feel collected over time rather than installed all at once. The works vary in scale and composition, balancing intimate portraits with energetic performance photography to create rhythm across the restaurant. Together they evoke the backstage glamour of music, fashion and film while acknowledging the building’s own colourful history as one of Sydney’s most iconic department stores.

As with every Curatorial+Co. hospitality project, the artwork was conceived as part of the guest experience rather than an afterthought. The photography contributes to the atmosphere just as much as the lighting, furniture, menu and architecture, encouraging conversation and creating memorable moments that linger long after the meal.

The result is an art collection that feels entirely at home within Gowings: sophisticated yet playful, nostalgic yet contemporary, and deeply connected to QT Sydney’s unmistakable character—a place where heritage, design, food and culture come together to create an immersive hospitality experience.