A Thomasson is a useless structure,piece of architecture or relic that has been preserved and has become a piece of art in its own way.
We told how there are 20 different categories of Thomasson and our best example was a redundant staircase pictured in Hickson Road in The Rocks. But readers were quick to send their own examples.
Maria Franklin has what the artist defines as A Useless Window. She wrote:“I don’t think it’s still there,but,as you explain in your article,it existed in a time of change (renovation) on a building in Kogarah.”
Room without a view:Thomasson in Kogarah.Maria Franklin
Paul Donnelly of the University Of Sydney sent in this shadow picture,which is defined as an A-Bomb 2D Thomasson:the outline of a building that remains in silhouette on a wall.
An A-bomb Thomasson from Paul Donnelly.Paul Donnelly
This can be seen sometimes when a section of a tightly packed row of buildings is torn down. The “white house” example is at the back of the John Woolley Building on Science Road,The University of Sydney.
Mary Sandstrom sent this useless stairway taken at the Manly Pavilion,complete with champagne bottle at the top – presumably to celebrate if you work out where it goes.
Classic case:Stairs to nowhere at the Manly Pavilion.Mary Sandstrom
The artist’s “Devouring Tree” Thomassons were popular. Several examples were submitted including a fence-eating tree in Padstow from Bill Phippen.
Wood you believe it? A fence-eating tree in Padstow.Bill Phippen
Red alert:A postbox in West Kensington,London.Nina Harrison
Another submission – apologies,it’s in London not Sydney – provides a fine example:a postbox captured by Nina Harrison in Fitzjames Avenue,Kensington,W14.
John Hibbert wrote to say:“On my recent daily walk I noticed for the first time this interesting fence relic. It was because of your article I actually paid attention to the phenomena of nature winning this little battle over humans’ controlling ways.”
Bar none:This Earlwood tree would not completely let go of an old fence.John Hibbert
Helen Kelly wrote:“I collect graffiti and thought I was keeping my eyes super-peeled at all times but I must have walked past those Hickson Rd steps a million times and never noticed that they go nowhere.”
Nino Zajaczkowski has this from Central Station. See the little sign up there to the right of the window?
Not much room for cars up there.Nino Zajaczkowski
Finally,this is what Genpei describes as an elevated Thomasson. Best not to exit the lift on the first floor. Happy hunting.
Finding a Thomassons known to lift your spirits.Supplied