David Lancashire Design was commissioned to create interpretative signage to commemorate the significance of the Viganò Family's contribution to food culture in Melbourne as well as the rich history of the area before the Viganò's acquired it.
Robust materials with colours and textures sympathetic to the surroundings illustrate these stories through sculpture, etchings and photographs.
Mario and Maria Teresa Viganò arrived in Melbourne from Italy in 1928. After four years of hard work, they transformed the rundown Melbourne Club Hotel in Exhibition Street into the iconic Mario's restaurant.
Mario's catered to a wide range of people with influence including generals, prime ministers and renowned artists and performers, introducing Melbourne to the sophisticated European appreciation of fine dining, hospitality and the arts.
The land in South Morang that was to become Farm Viganò was bought in 1934 to provide produce for the restaurant and a place for large family gatherings, away from the pressure of city life. There were fruit and vegetable gardens, as well as a Fresian dairy herd, a piggery and horses.
