‘Salvo Wall’ unveiled at Army’s former printing works in Melbourne

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(From left): Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley (Secretary for Communications), Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (Territorial Commander), Louise Osborne (Director of Sales and Marketing Lanson Place) and Colonels John and Lani Chamness gather at Melbourne’s Lanson Place for the unveiling of the Salvo Wall.

BY LERISSE SMITH

It all began with a poignant cuppa and a chat.

In July 2023, Judi Agnew, Salvos Corporate Partnerships Manager, met with the Human Resources Manager of a new boutique hotel under development in East Melbourne for a casual coffee and a discussion about a potential connection. Excitement buzzed in the air, ideas flowed freely – and a shared vision was born.

Sixteen months later, that vision sprang to life with the official opening of Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, housed within The Salvation Army’s former printing works at 502 Albert Street, originally built in 1902.

Now, another milestone has been celebrated with the unveiling of the ‘Salvo Wall’ – a tribute honouring the ministry that once operated within these walls during The Salvation Army’s ownership.

The installation includes historic images and the original brass plaque, inscribed with the words ‘Publishing Office’, which was presented by then Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett at the hotel's official opening on 26 November 2024.

The original brass plaque (left) and the Salvo Wall that has pride of place in the hotel.

(From left) Marcus Packham (General Manager Lanson Place), Colonel John Chamness and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas admiring the Salvo Wall.

“The Salvo Wall is a remarkable testament to ministry, mission, milestones and memories,” Judi said.

“With a thoughtful nod to The Salvation Army at almost every turn, the owners have beautifully renovated and extended the building, carefully honouring both its rich history and our enduring connection to the site.”

READ MORE: Keeping Salvos heritage alive

Adding to the excitement of the day was the presence of new territorial executive leaders, Colonels John and Lani Chamness, along with Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas.

The hotel itself is a celebration of heritage.

Carefully curated artworks pay homage to its origins as a printing works, engaging the senses and celebrating its heritage.

A must-see feature is the glass ceiling installation in the main foyer, inspired by flowing manuscript pages that appear to move from the front to the rear of the building.

Brigita Ozolinsis’ work called ‘Salvation’, which uses binary code to reflect The Salvation Army motto ‘Soup, Soap and Salvation’.

Another standout is an artwork by Brigita Ozolinsis titled ‘Salvation’, which translates The Salvation Army’s motto ‘Soup, Soap, Salvation’ into binary code – blending history, mission and modernity in a striking way.

The binary code of the work, which hangs in the main dining room of Lanson Place, is rendered in mirrored Perspex inlaid into a stained plywood panel. The word ‘soup’ is charcoal grey, while ‘soap’ and ‘Salvation’ are gold, but it is only the title that provides a clue about the meaning of the work, which otherwise remains a mystery.

“The team at Lanson Place Parliament Gardens describe themselves as connected forever to The Salvation Army,” Judi remarked.

“We are truly grateful for their ongoing support in so many meaningful ways.”