Annalisa Capurro with Russell Jack at his 100th birthday celebration on January 13.Credit:
In 1956, after returning to Australia, Jack co-founded John Allen and Russell C. Jack, which evolved into Allen Jack + Cottier, one of Australia’s leading architectural firms. Within a decade, Jack became the only architect to win all three of the nation’s top residential awards: the Sulman Medal, for the Jack House (1957), the Wilkinson Award, for the Jacobs House (1963) and the Canberra Medallion, for the Cater House (1965). He was later honoured with the RAIA’s 25-Year Award.
Meeting the man
In 2008, I had the extraordinary opportunity to purchase the Jack House. Unbeknown to me, Jack had been “interviewing” potential buyers for the right custodian. To my good fortune, he chose me. I pledged the Jack House would not be hidden away but that it would serve as a showcase for his vision and the relevance of mid-century modernism.
For the past 17 years, I kept that promise. Through tours, lectures in Australia and America, symposiums, film and television productions, photo shoots – including a memorable Vogue Australia spread with Cate Blanchett – the Jack House played its part in a wider revival of interest in mid-century modernism.
Jack and I found an immediate kinship. We shared a love of modern architecture and design, particularly Scandinavian, a wry sense of humour, and even an unlikely family link: his beloved labradoodle, Geordie, was bred by my cousin.
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Jack had struggled after Pamela’s death in 2006, but he shared that my presence and passion had given him new purpose. Despite his achievements, he never sought the spotlight, preferring to stay in the background, quietly encouraging.
We shared many architectural adventures – seeking out his distinctive letterboxes, attending open inspections of his houses, lamenting poor renovations and enjoying reunions with his clients. For me, the greatest gift wasn’t the Jack House but the man himself. He became my dearest friend, an adviser, a mentor and another father figure. His wisdom and humanity have shaped me profoundly.
Preserving his legacy
In 2013, I was instrumental in having the Jack House added to the NSW State Heritage Register. Its inclusion in Dominic Bradbury’s Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses (Taschen, 2019) confirmed its global importance.
The creek and waterfall underneath the Jack House.Credit: Photo: Annalisa Capurro
From 1976, Jack taught at the University of NSW, shaping generations of students. Over the years, I’ve met many, and one theme always emerges: Jack taught more than design skills – he imparted his personal vision that endures in the work of those he inspired.
Jack lived to see renewed appreciation for his work and to celebrate his 100th birthday. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his generosity of spirit, his wonderfully dry humour and his abiding love of dogs.
Predeceased by his wife, Pamela, Jack is survived by his children, Nicola, Kate and Matthew, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Toby.
Annalisa Capurro is an interior designer and an architectural/design historian.
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