Hills Hoist Sails Above Its Design Rivals

Illawarra Mercury

Monday August 6, 2007

THE Hills Hoist has been named as the most quintessential Australian designed item in a new survey.

Often doubling as an illicit swing for children, the clothesline topped an online poll of 2168 votes ahead of the Esky, followed by the Victa Lawn Mower, the Ford Ute and the Caroma Dual Flush toilet.

Home Beautiful Magazine organised the vote to highlight the importance of design in Australian lives.

The magazine's editor, Wendy Moore, said the Hills Hoist had always been a quintessential part of the Australian dream of a home on a quarter-acre block with a big backyard.

"We all remember as kids grabbing on for dear life as we swung around on the clothes line risking life and limb, it was pure fun," Ms Moore said.

The sound of Victa lawnmowers fired up on a Sunday was a vivid memory for many while the Esky played a vital role in the development of Australia's outdoor lifestyle.

"Memories of dads across the land meticulously tending their lawns each Sunday to ensure they had the best looking house on the block is a popular recollection for many," Ms Moore said.

"And the Esky, a simple invention that allowed Australians to take advantage of the great outdoors by having picnics and barbecues."

Other nominated designs included The America's Cup winner Australia II and its winged keel, flotation devices - "floaties" - for children and the Qantas Skybed.

And with the Australian love of food, utensil and appliance designs including the Breville sandwich toaster and the splayd - the combination of a spoon and a blade - made the list.

Australian designer Marc Newson has two spots on the list with his Lockheed Lounge and the Skybed. The list was compiled with help from the Questacon National Science and Technology Centre and Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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