HISTORY NEWS - Royal Historical Society of ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
HISTORY NEWS
ISSUE.353 APRIL 2021
Purse presented to
Florrie Hodges by INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Jane Duff in 1926 The Theatre with the
grand-sounding name
VALE Joyce Woodroffe
VALE Margery Missen
The Italian Ossario Murchison A Reminder of what it was like
The Royal Exhibition Building: 100 years ago
celebrating 140 years of a Trove ePetition
Melbourne icon
When heroines gather: how
Florrie Hodges met Jane Duff
RHSV NEWS
All events are held at the RHSV unless otherwise noted.
What’s on AT RHSV Bookings are recommended for all events and can be made
through the RHSV website: historyvictoria.org.au/rhsv-events/
VICTORIAN COMMUNITY HISTORY when the inventive locals of Albury locals Senior Counsel with a top 500 insurance
AWARDS – NOW OPEN used their towns lights to flash A L B U R company and a curator of a nationally
Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 7th Y in morse, then turned their race-track significant insurance archive.
July, 2021 into a make-shift airstrip using their car
headlights to allow the lost Dutch entry, HISTORY WRITERS’ GROUP
Digital entry available on the RHSV the Uiver, to land. The next morning the
website. The 2021 awards cover project Tuesday 27 April.
same locals hauled the bogged plane out
which will come to fruition between 1 July of a quagmire so that it could continue to Tuesday 25 May.
2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive). Melbourne to claim 2nd place. Every entry FREE
The awards are not just for publications but in that race had an amazing story to tell. The History Writers’ Group is for RHSV
cover collaborative community projects, Visit the exhibition and be immersed in the members only. It is led by Dr Cheryl Griffin
oral history, multimedia, podcasts, romance and drama of early flight. and meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of
apps, maps, walking tours, virtual tours, each month from 11:30am – 1pm. These
exhibitions, musical interpretation, journal AGL SHAW LECTURE: LAW, events are hybrid – some people choose
articles, videos, projects which cover LAWYERS & LA TROBE to meet at the RHSV and others choose
cultural diversity and activities which to Zoom. This is a very interactive group
enhance awareness of local community Tuesday 20th April
6:30pm / $35 which shares information and assists
records including digitising, indexing, and each other with problems they have
original research. Co-presented with the C.J. encountered in their history writing. Cheryl
La Trobe Society, the AGL is not only a respected historian but also
HOLSWORTH GRANTS – NOW OPEN Shaw Lecture, is part of our Distinguished a splendid teacher.
Closing date: 31 July 2021 Lecture series
The RHSV administers the Holsworth Dr Simon Smith AM FRHSV is a leading CATALOGUING CLINICS
Grants each year which were established legal history scholar. His work has included Thursday 22 April
to aid the publication of rural and regional overseeing the research and publication
of an authorised history of the Supreme Thursday 27 May
history by not-for-profit organisations such
as historical societies, clubs, schools and Court to mark the 175th anniversary of that 11am by ZOOM / FREE
museums. Grants of up to $2,000 are court in Victoria. He is a regular contributor Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections
awarded. to scholarship in that area and also a Manager, hosts these clinics an hour
leading insurance historian. His most from 11am on the 4th Thursday of each
More information: historyvictoria.org. recent book is on the history of Solicitors
au/programs/holsworth-local-heritage- month. It is a relaxed gathering of people
and the Law Institute in Victoria. who are finding their way through the
grants/
As a Monash law undergraduate in the intricacies of cataloguing material in
THE MACROBERTSON 1970s, he helped found Australia’s first historical collections which, as we all know,
INTERNATIONAL AIR community legal centre, the Springvale fall between a library and a museum with
RACES EXHIBITION Legal Service. With that venture, he sometimes a bit of art gallery thrown in.
became the first clinical legal education Jillian always prepares some material on
Mondays – Fridays academic in Australia. He is also a some specific queries but questions are
9am–5pm / FREE founding editor of a leading practice text, encouraged and, remember, a problem
MacRobertson’s International the Lawyers Practice Manual. shared is a problem halved. The clinics
Air Races of 1934 produced feats of In the 1980s, Simon was a pioneer in are conversational in format rather than a
great courage and derring-do. There alternative dispute resolution and was seminar. If you are new to cataloguing or
was tragedy and triumph. A tragedy was the first ombudsman in the Australian an old hand you will find plenty to interest
averted in the middle of a stormy night financial services sector. Later he was you in these sessions.
PLAN FOR HISTORY
History News MONTH NOW
October is History Month.
History News is the bi-monthly newsletter of the RHSV
ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA INC.
We encourage all historical
societies to hold an event
during history month – there
EDITOR Sharon Betridge PRESIDENT Richard Broome
DESIGN & ARTWORK Centreforce Pty Ltd 5975 8600 EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rosemary Cameron
is a great suggested list of events on our
PRINTED BY First Class Mailing 9555 9997 ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Rebecca Toohey website which is a great place to start
Items for publication should be sent to the Editor COLLECTIONS MANAGER & VOLUNTEER your brainstorming. We encourage you
EMAIL sbetridge@outlook.com COORDINATOR Jillian Hiscock to think about collaborations with local
History News copy closes 2nd of the month: May, July, September, MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Jessica Scott schools, libraries and other community
November, January, March unless in consultation with the editor. organisations – spread the joy!
RHSV welcomes submission of articles for inclusion in History History House
News. Publication and editing will be at the discretion of the 239 A’Beckett Street Melbourne 3000 History Month overlaps with the Seniors
editor and the Publications Committee as directed by our Terms Office & Library Hours: Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm
Festival and Children’s Week so why not
of Reference.
Phone: 9326 9288 devise and event or two which can be
COVER IMAGE: Purse presented to Florrie Hodges by Jane Duff in
1926. ‘Museums Victoria’. See page 17
Website: www.historyvictoria.org.au featured in more than one program?
Email: office@historyvictoria.org.au
PRINT POST APPROVED PP336663/00011 ISSN 1326-269 ABN 36 520 675 471 Registration No. A2529 historyvictoria.org.au/brainstorm-history-
month-event-ideas/
2 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021
President’s Table of
RHSV NEWS
contents
report News and articles
The Theatre with the grand-sounding
name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
The Italian Ossario Murchison . . . . .14-15
By the time this edition of History News dominant figures in our local area? What
is out, I will have travelled to Ouyen to was the First Nation’s history of our The Royal Exhibition Building:
present Merle Pole, from one of our region? Our personal wellbeing is clearly celebrating 140 years of
far flung 330 affiliated societies across enhanced by volunteering in the history a Melbourne icon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Victoria, with an RHSV Award of Merit for movement. But there is no doubt that When heroines gather: how Florrie
2020. Her contributions to the History there is also a social good emanating from Hodges met Jane Duff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Centre at Ouyen have been sustained for our efforts. Local communities and their
over three decades and have resulted in a identities are enhanced by knowledge of VALE Joyce Woodroffe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
truly magnificent resource for researchers their origins. We study history to know our VALE Margery Missen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
into the future as well as Merle’s own book past and to know ourselves in the present. A Reminder of what it was like
on Ouyen’s place names. She has also Therefore, before the 2021 award 100 years ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
been president for over twenty years. nominations close in just a few weeks
The following week the RHSV hosted a Trove ePetition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
consider nominating someone from your
delayed 2020 award’s ceremony for other society; see the information on page two Regular features
recipients. of this edition. It requires a page to set
What’s on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In a few weeks, after this History News out their achievements. The criteria are
is broadcast, I will also journey to the that their work for an affiliated society President’s report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Croydon Historical Society to present of the RHSV must have been sustained, Message from the editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
an award to Les Hutchinson, aged 88, normally, over ten years and must be Heritage report: Australia’s World
who was also unable to receive his exceptional. The person being nominated
Heritage in the spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
award due to the pandemic. Les has does not need to have written a notable
for over forty years contributed to the publication or publications, but must A Hall of fame:
preservation of Croydon’s history by have done something exceptional to The Bundy is reborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
writing several books, mentoring several advance their society’s efforts to protect History Victoria Support Group
other publications, leading a huge oral or disseminate the local history of the area, (HVSG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
history project on Croydon, speaking beyond the routine holding of office.
on the area’s history countless times to Around the societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
This is not to say that office bearers do
schools and community groups and by routine work, they do not! Their efforts are Windows on history: The Beaney
promoting Croydon’s history on Radio invaluable. But this award of merit is an Stained Glass window . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13
Eastern FM. He has been honoured exceptional award for exceptional effort. It Books received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
several times for his work. is the gold medal of the history movement.
The altruism of these award winners is I hope that those who win such an award,
truly magnificent. Of course, we volunteer and those around them, see it for what it
in the history movement for more than just is: a truly remarkable honour for sustained nominee is unsuccessful in 2021, please
altruism, as our efforts satisfy a buzzing and outstanding contributions. try again next year, because we are only
in our heads about something in the past able to present ten awards each year, to
So please consider honouring those who
we want to explore. How did the places uphold their meritorious nature.
deserve it, with a nomination. And if your
we inhabit come about? Who were the Richard Broome AM
Editor’s Note: Seeking contributions
History of Aboriginal peoples of Victoria:
celebration and awareness
For the June issue of History News, • The role of archaeology in understating
we plan to focus on the history of First the Indigenous past
Nations peoples in Victoria and we • Aspects of the history of colonisation
invite relevant articles for consideration. and its impact on Aboriginal peoples
We especially extend this invitation to since 1788
Indigenous authors within the Victorian • Impact of early missionaries
community. • … and many others.
Suggested topics include: Please contact me with any questions. We
• The role and importance of Indigenous look forward to receiving your proposals
knowledge in understanding Aboriginal and contributions: 200-800 words with an
history from Deep Time to the present image or two.
• The role of Indigenous knowledge in Sharon Betridge
managing and protecting the land and sbetridge@outlook.com
its flora and fauna
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 3
RHSV NEWS
‘Lyndhurst Hall’, Albion Street East, Brunswick, in 1866 Lyndhurst Hall, Pascoe Vale South
(photo State Library of Victoria H654, cropped) (contemporary photo, Alex Levia)
Heritage report: Australia’s
World Heritage in the spotlight
Australia has four cultural world could easily be joined together, a bit Professor Miles Lewis, the world authority
heritage sites: Australian Convict like IKEA furniture. Some were simple on these buildings. I have joined the task
Sites, 11 sites across Australia; Budj buildings, not unlike today’s sheds, often force on behalf of the RHSV. The task
Bim Cultural Landscape, Victoria; clad in corrugated iron. Others were force will be launched in mid-April at the
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton sophisticated buildings you wouldn’t Collingwood site of four 1850s portable
Gardens, Melbourne; and Sydney pick without close observation. Prince ‘Singapore Cottages’. A web site will be
Opera House. Now the Central Albert took an interest in the process and set up with a link from the RHSV web site.
Victorian Goldfields World Heritage ordered a ballroom building for Balmoral, Even world heritage status, however, isn’t
which still stands on the castle grounds. full protection. In last June’s History News,
bid is underway and the RHSV has
The same manufacturer produced a house I wrote about the threats to the Royal
joined others in a new bid, to obtain
that stands today in South Melbourne. Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
world heritage listing for the nearly
100 19th-Century prefabricated or An elaborate double-storey eight-room World Heritage Site. Australia promised
‘portable’ buildings still standing in portable house named Lyndhurst Hall, to create a buffer zone around the Carlton
Australia. which arrived in Melbourne on 6 November Gardens, the World Heritage Environs
1854, was erected in Brunswick. Its walls Area (WHEA), to maintain the heritage
New developments made possible the
and floors are made of wooden boards character surrounding the site. But the
manufacture of buildings in parts, known
joined together by metal tongues. Before Victorian Government removed protection
at the time as ‘portable buildings’, that
1870, it was moved to its present site. The from much of the WHEA in 2009.
could be shipped to Australia or other
veranda was later reconstructed from the The result was a forest of towers, topped
colonies and assembled on site. They
1866 photo above. by the 65-storey twin tower Shangri-La
seemed the perfect solution for settlers
needing houses and public buildings Australia’s collection of portable buildings Hotel under construction near Victoria
that could be put up without much skilled is the largest in the world. It represents a Street. The other three sides of the Carlton
labour, especially during the gold rushes. unique heritage of 19th century technology Gardens, however, are much as they were
Victoria has 63 of Australia’s total of 98 and colonial adaptation. A task force has during the 1880 and 1888 Exhibitions. But
extant portable buildings. been set up to foster an Australian bid two proposals now threaten the Fitzroy
for world heritage listing. It is led by Tony side of the WHEA: a five-storey tower on
Many were of cast or wrought iron, or
Isaacson, who chairs the Robin Boyd Gertrude Street, behind Royal Terrace
even steel, but many others were of
Foundation, and advised by Emeritus and a huge new building for St Vincent’s
wood. Typically, they involved parts that
4 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021
Hospital on the corner of Nicholson Street The RHSV has participated in a review of RHSV heritage committee wrote to the
RHSV NEWS
and Victoria Parade. the WHEA, which may result in improved Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage
The St Vincent’s proposal is nearly 15 protection, but it will take two years. In Centre to request their intervention with
metres higher, the equivalent of five the meantime, it is the responsibility of the Australia Government. This is a big call.
normal storeys, than the one it replaces the federal Minister for the Environment But it is the only card we have left to play.
and faced in glass. ‘Intended to be to ensure protection of the world heritage You will find the full story on the RHSV web
contemporary and visually striking’, it site. The RHSV heritage committee site. https://bit.ly/38Gu4eo
would dominate the World Heritage wrote to the Minister for Environment
Charles Sowerwine,
Area. The RHSV has lodged submissions Hon. Sussan Ley MP on 31 January 2021,
but we have received no answer or 5 March 2021.
opposing both proposals.
acknowledgement. In February 2021, the
A Hall of fame:
The Bundy is reborn
From an unremarkable rural hall Locals also donated special entries to
threatened with closure to ‘one of local cattle and sheep markets to aid
the best sounding country halls the Hall fund. The then Maffra Shire
in Australia’ – the transformation endorsed the project and supported a
of Bundalaguah Hall is almost grant application to Government to cover
complete. the £1778 construction cost.
The Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall has Built on land subdivided from a local
always had strong community roots. farm, the hall stands midway between
It was officially opened in November Sale and Maffra. Red gum blocks for the Top:
1954 following extensive community hall were cut and split at working bees The Bundy Hall now boasts a new
fundraising led by the local CWA, which on a local farmer’s property. This type of covered outdoor space as well as
in-kind support of materials and skills has numerous upgrades inside.
had previously met at members’ homes.
continued with the most recent upgrades. Bottom:
The branch, formed in September 1946
The tender for construction of the 60 x 30 The basic Bundalguah-Myrtlebank
and raised some £500 towards the Hall which faced closure in 2013.
project. There were dances, euchre feet hall was called in April 1954 and was
Image Bundalaguah Hall committee
and other card nights, street stalls, film awarded to W. F. Barton of Maffra.
exhibitions and catering at clearing sales. The Bundalaguah CWA was fittingly one
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 5
RHSV NEWS
of the first to use the hall when the local
branch celebrated its eighth birthday on
1 November 1954 with the hall “beautifully
decorated for a gay party”. A few days
later a planned ball had to be cancelled
due to poor weather.
The hall was officially opened on 24
November 1954 with praise for the CWA
and other locals from dignitaries who
noted they had “provided their own
community centre”. The official speeches
were followed by a “grand supper” with
music by Lou Bourbaud’s local band; Lou
Bourbard was also a successful shooter
with the Sale gun club. The local radio
station, 3TR, used a broadcast program
line installed to the hall on the evening of
the official opening as well to broadcast
balls subsequently held in the hall.
A schedule of dances, badminton and Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows perform ‘Live at the Bundy’.
other community uses were soon in Image Stuart Anderson Photography
full swing and the hall was extended
with a new supper room and kitchen involved the ‘First Tuesday Blues Club’ pilates and exercise sessions, First Aid
constructed by L. P. McMahon in the with musicians who were seeking a new classes and lots of private functions too.
1960s. Dedicated locals continued to venue away from pubs and nightclubs Currently, a $250,000 Future Plan is
serve on the committee, with some in Sale: teacher Brett Glover and Paul nearing completion and will ensure the
providing a decade or more of service. Versteden. Bundy Hall remains a viable community
But in 2012, the hall faced a huge hurdle The milestone 100th ‘Live at the Bundy’ on asset for generations to come and perhaps
when the shire closed it down due to 27 March this year featured soul and blues lead the dream of a regional east coast
electrical issues. The locals swung into singer Shaun Kirk. In between have been touring network for performers.
action with a concerted campaign, letters a host of well-known names including This latest round of upgrades has seen
to the paper, a petition with 700 signatures Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Jon a massive change to the hall with a large
and revitalization of the committee with a Stevens, Eurogliders, Russell Morris and verandah and deck on the northern
wider mix of users. Ross Wilson. A few others cancelled side of the hall providing shade and
The new committee developed a business during COVID are being rescheduled. shelter for outdoor events. The once
plan. This and their enthusiasm won over The plan from the outset was to have overgrown paddock behind the hall has
council which upgraded the electrics and premium artists, premium sound and been landscaped and a suitable roadway
the committee’s first upgrade involved a premium acoustic environment. But now defines the carpark.
restumping, a disabled toilet, a smart the intimate setting has appeal for both Internally the hall layout has been flipped
galvanized iron roof and a new water tank. performer and audience. It might be with the stage moved to the eastern end
There were improvements to the kitchen a small venue ‘in the middle of a cow of the hall with improved sound insulation.
and a new sound system. The work of paddock’ but it is often included with A new covered area at the western end
local farmer and construction contractor large city venues on tours: Newcastle, of the hall is the new entry, improving
Paul Versteden on the sound system has Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bundalaguah, access and crowd control. New storage
led to a new sideline helping many other Melbourne. “Every community needs a areas and a green room also improve
local halls improve their sound systems Bundy Hall…it was an honour to see it the flexibility of the hall for a variety of
and staging. first hand…Viva Euro gliders Bundy Hall!” uses. With the focus on the successful
The forward-thinking committee got said Joe Camilleri. trademark ‘live’ music events, the sound
behind the dream of converting the hall The Bundalaguah branch of the CWA, the system has again been upgraded.
into a non-commercial, not-for-profit, largest in regional Victoria, continues to And the success of this dynamic committee
all-abilities inclusive, intimate live music meet at the hall and provides a gourmet seems to have inspired other communities
and arts venue hosting high quality local, barbecue at each event, again contributing in the local Wellington Shire to reinvigorate
interstate and international artists. And so to its upkeep. their own community halls with several
‘Live at the Bundy’ was born with the first
And while ‘Live at the Bundy’ is “all about undergoing major facelifts in recent years.
featuring Blues guitarist Fiona Boyes in
the music”, the hall has other strings to its Pauline Hitchins
December 2013; a sellout like most of the
bow. There is regular yoga, dancerobics,
subsequent shows. One new partnership
6 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021
RHSV NEWS
History
to close their doors. Some retained diversity of the role of historical societies
access to their archives for research but and often acts as a referral to the society,
many more have been locked out of that whose rooms are beside the museum.
Victoria access too.
History Victoria Support Group member
Larina Strauch managed to respond to
Kyneton is one of five local historical
societies including Malmsbury, Carlsruhe,
Romsey Lancefield and Gisborne and
Support some research queries but most were
put ‘in the queue’ until after COVID
lockdowns. However, Larina and her
Mt Macedon, which explore the unique
history of their home towns in the
exhibition. Using their collections,
Group co-author have completed their Kyneton
history which is now off to printers.
they illuminate histories of ancient
megafauna, communities and culture,
(HVSG) Instead of the planned celebrations, farming, indigenous occupation, industry,
Kyneton Museum, an initiative of the quarrying, winemaking and tourism.
Kyneton Historical Society and now run by This year the Kyneton Society will celebrate
Macedon Ranges Shire, marked its 50th its 70th anniversary and help the Museum
anniversary by posting an online newsreel belatedly mark its 50th anniversary.
So just what will the new normal look like? from its opening by Premier Sir Henry We hope all societies will be able to get
We are all fast learning to be adaptable Bolte in April 1970. The newsreader on back on track in 2021 and we want to hear
and establish new ways to keep in touch, the day observed that “items of everyday what your critical issues are: membership,
attend lectures, undertake research life from more than a century ago may cataloguing, conservation or emergency
and promote the work of our historical become an interesting tourist attraction preparedness?
societies. We’ve also been reminded and industry for Kyneton”: a fact we now
of the value of conversations, shared Please let us know how the HVSG and
all appreciate.
discoveries and the other bonuses the RHSV can help. Also, HVSG would love
Kyneton Historical Society has now to have more members from across the
collaboration of society work provides.
reopened and has been blessed with state, so contact us if you are interested in
At a time when we have lost many friends
some valuable photos, letters and helping us determine the best resources
and colleagues, we are even more
documents from those who have sorted and workshops we can develop.
aware of the importance of recording
out family archives during lockdown.
stories, naming pictures and preserving Pauline Hitchins
They are also benefitting from a special
memories. Convenor HVSG (RHSV)
exhibition, ‘Unique by Nature, United by
For most of the past 12 months, museums History’, at the museum. Larina notes the Phone: 0437 29 69 25
and historical societies have been forced exhibition helps visitors understand the Email: hvsg@historyvictoria.com.au
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 7
RHSV NEWS
The grand early 20th
century foyer of the
Australian National
Memorial Theatre in
St Kilda, Melbourne,
the only other National
Theatre now in
existence.
The Theatre with the
grand-sounding name
The Ballarat National Theatre is This attitude was challenged by a felt it was at the vanguard of a flowering of
a local amateur dramatic society formidable Australian opera singer called Australian culture. The first performance in
with a surprisingly grand-sounding Gertrude Johnson. Johnson had studied Ballarat by the Melbourne company of the
name. It is one of the longest- under the famous Nellie Melba and popular ‘Barretts of Wimpole Street’, was a
running community theatre groups enjoyed a successful, though not stellar, crowded success, although the conditions
in Australia, for which it deserves career in England in the 1920s. On in the Alfred Hall were freezing, prompting
celebration. But the company’s returning to Australia in the 1930s she a call for better venues in Ballarat.
name reveals another fact worth argued for a National Theatre in all states Gertrude Johnson’s network of theatres
of Australia which would give talented and branches took hold in Victoria and
celebrating. It has a rare, ongoing
Australian artists performance experience flowered in the 1940s and up to the 1950s.
connection to a foundational
in their own country. The Australian During this time Melbourne’s ‘National’
episode in the cultural history of
Broadcasting Commission had just been became known as a source of sometimes
Australia: the Australian National
formed and though there was little formal rowdy, but often surprisingly high calibre
Theatre Movement. government support of active cultural performances.
Nowadays, when Australian content is institutions Johnson and others had high
mandated on TV stations, and we have The Ballarat National Theatre started
hopes of a national strategy to keep young
a wealth of government and privately producing its own performances in 1939
talent in Australia.
funded performing arts institutions filling with Smilin’ Through. As other groups
In 1935 Johnson founded the Australian existed locally for music and dance,
every conceivable niche, it is difficult to
National Theatre Movement and set up a ‘The National’ in Ballarat focused almost
see why the Australian National Theatre
theatre in her home base of Melbourne to exclusively on drama. A lively troupe
Movement was such a big deal. But before
train young people in music, opera, ballet with a dedicated local audience soon
the 1930s, Australia was not seen, nor
and drama to a professional level. Part of her formed. And when the intimate 100 people
did we see ourselves, as a nation which
genius was to found supportive branches venue, the ‘Little Theatre’, was built in
deserved its own cultural icons or forms of
of the Movement, beginning with the the basement of the ANA Building and
cultural expression. We were at the edge
Melbourne suburbs but extending outwards. Plaza Cinema in Camp Street in 1949, the
of the British Empire. Culture came from
there, and that was where the best, the The first regional branch was founded company flourished.
only, culture was found. At the time there in Ballarat in 1938. The Ballarat National Counter to Ballarat’s local success story,
was little sense that Australia had any Theatre was formed at a meeting convened the broader National Theatre Movement
form of identity outside of England. And by the Mayor of Ballarat, J. H. Trekardo. began to fizzle out after a peak of activity
it was simply expected that the brightest Gertrude Johnson was there and over 100 and critical acclaim in the 1950s. It never
and most talented Australian performers people attended. The excitement in the achieved its grand aim of creating a
would go overseas. contemporary articles is palpable. Ballarat network of theatres across Australia.
8 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021
RHSV NEWS
Left to Right: 1962 Program for Come Back Little Sheba. Image courtesy of the Ballarat Gold
Museum. Gertrude Johnson, c 1921. Still from Come Back Little Sheba, produced by the Ballarat
National Theatre in 1962. Image courtesy of the Ballarat Gold Museum.
Instead, Gertrude Johnson’s goal of a truly At some point in its journey the Ballarat And the other is the Ballarat National
Australian national theatre was realised in ‘National’ lost its contact and connection Theatre, the community theatre company
the 1950s when the ‘Elizabethan Theatre with the Melbourne ‘National’ and became in regional Victoria, putting on four shows
Trust,’ a national group, was formed. essentially an independent amateur a year in the Courthouse Theatre near the
From this organisation developed a State theatre company. Old Ballarat Gaol.
Theatre network and the two institutions Now as memories recede, we don’t really Neither company keeps in touch with
the Australian Ballet and the Australian know how many branches of the Australian the other, they are linked only through
Opera. Johnson herself, sadly, chose not National Theatre Movement were set up threads: name, a bit of history, and
to be part of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust, in its heyday; the Melbourne movement remarkable longevity. It’s probably time
an organisation she helped initiate but apparently did not keep records of they started talking.
which she felt was compromised. Instead, branches as they formed. In 1988 three Lucinda Horrocks, 2014.
she kept her Melbourne-based Australian other regional National Theatre branches
National Theatre separate and, while it Wind & Sky Productions was commissioned
still existed: metropolitan Heidelberg,
remains a Melbourne cultural fixture to to produce a history of the Ballarat National
Yallourn and Swan Hill in regional Victoria
this day, it gradually declined in influence, Theatre in 2013. This article is based on
but gradually they severed their ties to the
prestige and in numbers. some of the history we unearthed whilst
movement and the name. (The ‘National
researching the story.
The Ballarat National Theatre kept going, Theatre’ in Perth is not connected to
producing play after play, developing Johnson’s Movement). Today there exist To watch the documentary film, visit http://
and extending its repertoire and drawing two solitary reminders of Johnson’s www.windsky.com.au/ballarat-national-
strong local audiences well up to the 1980s dream. One is the Australian National theatre/
when the Little Theatre was forced to close Memorial Theatre in the glorious old
to meet new stringent safety regulations. renovated silent cinema on the corner of
Undeterred, the company remained active Barkly and Carlisle Streets, St Kilda, the
and eventually relocated to a new venue heart of the Movement since the 1970s.
in the 1990s: the Courthouse Theatre in It has trained and continues to train
Lydiard Street Ballarat There it still puts generations of performers, struggling
on four productions a year to this day. for every dollar to keep its legacy alive.
21 Ronley Street
Blackburn Vic 3130
publish
p @ penfolk.com.au
For all your publishing needs … www.penfolk.com.au
P e n F o l k
PenFolk produces high quality books for historians
»» Our service is adapted to suit your needs, and »» Our services include design andd
may include design and production of books, development; writing, editing andd
papers and charts; reproducing and retouching proof reading; illustration; graphicc
photos and documents; advice and assistance and photographic reproduction;;
with writing; designing and compiling family training and support; consultationn
tree charts. We can take you through all stages of and advice; printing and delivery off
win
Coll ner!
your project, or provide guidance and assistance the finished product.
Comm aborativ
with specific elements.
unity e
We take pride in producing work of the highest possible quality, and provide a service Awar History
d 201
that is personal, friendly, cooperative and confidential 4
Call for appointment (03) 9878 9285
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 9
Around the societies
SOCIETIES
Prepared by volunteer We welcome Societies to submit an article/event of around
50 words, or email your Newsletter to us and we will write
Glenda Beckley on up around 50 words for you around twice per year.
behalf of the History FOR THE JUNE 2021 ISSUE please send details
Victoria Support Group. to office@historyvictoria.org.au by 24th April 2021.
AUSTRALIAN GARDEN HISTORY: Later finished; orders now being taken. Cost will 2pm: Annual General Meeting. Society
this year the Victorian Branch will be be $5 per booklet plus $2 postage. If you Meetings are held at the Eltham Senior
visiting Coolart House and Wetlands would like to order a booklet or if you Citizens’ Centre, Library Place, Eltham.
on the Mornington Peninsula. Dr Jan have a service person at the Brighton FRIENDS OF WESTGARTHTOWN: With
Schapper has been invited to talk Cemetery please contact Lois on 9558 restrictions easing the Zeibell’s Farmhouse
about her connection with the property 4248 or info@brightoncemetorians.org museum and garden has reopened with
and discuss her 1980 Environmental CASTLEMAINE: The Society to reopen pre-booked entry each Sunday from
conservation plan. This week marks the the doors of the Former Court House 11.30am-3pm and on our new Tuesday
50th Anniversary of the signing of the in Goldsmith Crescent from Tuesday, hours of 11.30am-2pm. Bookings can be
Ramsar Convention. The Convention’s February 23. Volunteers are looking made at EventBrite via the link on our
mission is ‘the conservation and wise use forward to welcoming everyone back after website http://westgarthtown.org.au/
of all wetlands through local and national 11 long months. The Society’s new opening visit/index.htm. New to the garden will be
actions and international cooperation, hours will be Tuesday from 10am – 3pm, tours led by the garden’s horticulturalist,
as a contribution towards achieving preferably by appointment. To make an Christine Burke. The garden now also has
sustainable development throughout the appointment please email the society at QR codes on selected plants. This allows
world’. www.gardenhistorysociety.org.au chsi@castlemainehistoricalsociety.com. visitors to access additional information
BENDIGO: ‘Walks into History’: First To find out more about the Society regarding various plants. Silent reading
Sunday of the month, except Easter, at and our holdings visit https://www. hours is a program under consideration,
10.00 a.m. Cost: $5, unless otherwise castlemainehistoricalsociety.com/ likely to be Sunday mornings from 9.30-
specified. April 1: ‘Kings Bridge and its 11.30am. This will be a chance for anyone
COBURG: The Society has reopened the
surroundings a taste of Irishtown’ with to sit and read in the garden with no talking
Bluestone Cottage Museum at 82 Bell
James Lerk; meet at Gasworks retort or mobiles ringing allowed. While the
Street Coburg, on Fridays from 12-2pm
house, Weeroona Avenue, Bendigo - note: Ziebell’s Farmhouse may be in the middle
and on the first Sunday of the month
Unsteady terrain. May 2: ‘Passport to the of suburban Melbourne, it is tranquil and
from 2-4.30pm. We have organised
Borough’ with Aylene Kirkwood; meet at usually quiet and, wherever feasible,
another interesting year of talks to be held
the Old Court House, Sailors Gully Road, we will welcome everyone to come and
mainly at Coburg Library on a Thursday
Eaglehawk. June 6: ‘Mining at Victoria experience it.
night at 8pm. To find out more, email
Hill with Billy Allen; meet at Victoria Hill, HEIDELBERG: Speakers for Heidelberg
coburghistory@gmail.com or browse
opposite the Goldmines Hotel. July 4: Historical Society evening meetings in
our website. The Society used social
‘Bendigo’s German Community’ with 2021: 13 April: Terry Young, Chinese
media to connect with its community
Dennis Johanson; meet at Vahland Market Gardens. 8 June: Eleneth Woolley,
during lockdown and increased its
Drinking Fountain, Pall Mall. Ivanhoe Reading Circle Centenary. 10
membership by generating interest in
BRIGHTON CEMETORIANS: Diary Dates local history topics through images, August: Dr David Sornig, The Blue
for 2021: April 18: Anzac Walk, angels of discussions online and zoom talks. It was Lake, Finding Dudley Flats and the
Mercy Walk, WW1 Nurses. May 23: Law nominated for an AMaGa award for its West Melbourne Swamp. 12 October:
Week Walk, Convict Taint. August 8: AGM. Social Media Project in the category of AGM/Members Night. 14 December:
October: Sporting People. October: Boyd ‘Audiences and Engagement’. https:// John Anderson, A short history of the
Family of Artists Walk. November 14th: coburghistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/ railway line to Heidelberg to mark the
Remembrance Day Walk. Ring Lois on centenary of electrification. The talks are
ECHUCA: ‘Always Tells a Story’: An
9558 4248 to book. held at the Uniting Church Community
exhibition that looks at some of the
Flag Project: We intend to have an Centre, Seddon Street, Ivanhoe at 8pm
museum’s vast collection of letters, books
Australian Flag attached to a pole to under applicable Victorian Government
and documents that give an insight into
publicly commemorate the role these COVID19 regulations.
the lives of early settlers to the region.
people had in representing Australia as Now open: Echuca Historical Society KILMORE: What a time to be part of the
part of the war effort. The pole will be Museum, 1 Dickson Street Echuca, Victoria Kilmore Historical Society! A new home
placed in a sleeve that will be anchored 3564 Phone 0407297845. The exhibition with more space than we could dream
into the ground at the front of the will close on 3 May 2021 Visit: www. of, new opening hours, so many new
grave. Please note that Flags cannot be echucahistoricalsociety.org.au opportunities and even a new committee
placed at cremation memorial positions, member. How exciting! We would be
ELTHAM: Reduced program until June
wall positions or public grave areas. keen to hear from anyone who is familiar
2021: Saturday 3 April 2pm: Heritage
Family permission is needed for a service with the history of our new home at the
Excursion. Saturday 1 May 2pm: Heritage
person to be included. The little booklet bluestone Old Kilmore Post Office on
Walk. Wednesday 12 May 9.30am:
that will tell the stories of the people in the Powlett Street. We are particularly keen to
Committee Meeting. Saturday 12 June
first 50 graves to have a flag flying is nearly hear oral histories from those who worked
10 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021SOCIETIES
or lived here. If you have photographs RINGWOOD & DISTRICT: Using decals, SEYMOUR: In the early 1870s there
of the interior we would be delighted to our Heathmont History Group has now was debate as to a location to establish
see and copy them. Either contact us via decorated more than 100 of the bollards a town library, and eventually the site
Facebook or drop in on one of our open in the Heathmont shopping strip. All the currently occupied by the Pioneer Library
days. http://www.kilmorehistory.info/ or artwork has been done by local school was decided on. In July 1974 the Society
https://www.facebook.com/kilmorehistory/ children and local artists, the youngest 4 took over the back part of the Library for
years old, the oldest 100! This ‘urban silo research and exhibition rooms, and the
art’ display has the theme of Orcharding remainder of the building in November
Tribute, for the bollards and the shops 1979. We have hosted many historical
are on the site of one of the orchards exhibitions and displays, local history book
so prevalent in Heathmont one hundred launches, guest speakers and become the
years ago. That the theme has been central archive on Seymour and District
expressed in many ways is a feature of History: preserving our local history for
the bold and colourful display. There future generations. The Library is open
are apples and pears, paintings and to the public on the first Sunday of each
photographs, trees and ladders, cherries month from 1-3pm, and the third Tuesday
KORUMBURRA: The township was and lemons. And only 50 more to do! of each month from 1-3pm, and other times
surveyed in 1887, and the first land sales R O C H E ST E R : We r e m e m b e r t h e by arrangement.
in Commercial Street took place early the devastation 10 years ago. January 15
following year. With the discovery of coal 2011 the Society was inundated with
and the arrival of the railway, the town 70 centimetres of flood water from the
was set to boom. Some buildings of the Campaspe River. We lost books, display
time still stand. The self guided historical cabinets, and some display items. We
tour was designed and compiled by our were very fortunate with the help of the
members. https://bit.ly/3b83D2z We Echuca Historical Society and the Shire of
welcome all visitors who wish to see our Campaspe to save a great number of old
extensive eCollection or to obtain help in book ledgers and records that were very
looking for information. Starting the walk sodden. The process involved wrapping
from any point you could visit each site in the individual wet books and photos in
a loop that would bring you back to your plastic wrap and freezing. Months later
starting point. these frozen articles were Freeze Dried in
RICHMOND & BURNLEY: Upcoming Melbourne and returned to our Museum WHITEHORSE: 2021 Diary Dates:
events at Studio 1, Kennedy Place here in Rochester in good condition. After Meetings are held at the Schwerkolt
Richmond. Booking essential to cater receiving many grants for new shelving Cottage and Museum Complex. Saturday,
for numbers due to COVID restrictions: and furniture our Museum was back in 10 April 1pm: General Meeting - Ross
email the society or call 94271800. Events business in about 14 months. McMullin - Will Dyson, War Artist. Saturday,
will also be available on Zoom. 16 May 5 June 1pm: General Meeting, Jenny
2.30pm: Look What I Found, Mysteries Briely, Vermont, A History. Saturday, 14
and Artefacts from Richmond, discover August 1pm: Annual General Meeting,
some of Richmond’s past through items, Rosalie Whalen, WHS. Saturday, 9
images and artefacts. Contribute to a October 1pm General Meeting, Dr. Gary
‘Did You Know?’ session and hear what’s Presland, Coranderrk.
happening in the suburb. 20 June 2.30pm:
Ghost Signs and the Melbourne Circle,
Nick Gadd author of Melbourne circle :
walking, memory and loss (2020). With
the intensive development in the suburbs,
Ghost Signs suddenly appear after being
locked away from previous development.
Nick has captured many of these nostalgic
and historic signs on his webpage. Many
have since disappeared behind the
new constructions, perhaps waiting for
another century until they reappear. Email:
richmondhs@optusnet.com.au
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 11RHSV NEWS
Windows on history:
The Beaney Stained
Glass window
The first Melbourne Hospital opened of money to ensure his reappointment, as times in subsequent years. Unsurprisingly,
in 1848 and stood on the corner of was often the practice before 1910. he features prominently in Medico-Legal
Lonsdale and Swanston Streets for History doesn’t flatter Beaney who was Society of Victoria’s ‘Medico-Legal Crimes
nearly a century. Thirty years later… loved, hated, admired, despised, and in the Nineteenth Century Melbourne’.
“…Mr. Jas. Geo. Beaney, one of the labelled a controversial surgeon, medical Despite his notoriety James George
honorary surgeons… expressed his wish pioneer and plagiarist. His flamboyant Beaney was elected to the Victorian
to present a stained-glass window, to be clothing, extraordinary coif, diamond studs Legislative Council in 1883.
placed in the west wing of the hospital. and rings won him the title of ‘Diamond The Beaney window was designed
The committee had much pleasure in Jim’, earned in part through his practice of and made by Ferguson & Urie of North
assisting to give effect to his generous performing surgery wearing his jewelled Melbourne at the huge cost of £105, and
offer, and entrusted the work to Messrs. rings, at a time when sepsis was rife. unveiled on 14 June 1878, a day before
Ferguson and Urie, who executed the Another nickname, ‘Champagne Jimmy’, Beaney left for Europe. The window
commission to the satisfaction of the resulted from boozy hospitality before and depicts Faith and Hope and the Greek
donor. This acceptable present has after his lectures and operations. medical philosopher Esculap (Asclepius),
greatly improved that portion of the Beaney’s first charge of medical the God of Medicine and Healing with his
building...”. Argus 30 Jan 1879. negligence was in 1866 when he was daughter Hygeia, Goddess of Health and
James George Beaney (1828 – 1891), was tried for the murder of St Kilda barmaid, Sanitation. The central scene is from the
a native of Canterbury, England. After Mary Lewis. The post-mortem suggested Old Testament, 2 Kings 4-37, ‘She Took
completing his training in Edinburgh, he he had performed an illegal abortion, a Up her Son and Went Out’. There is a
emigrated to Australia in 1852 and by charge dismissed due to lack of evidence. nurse holding an oil lamp is synonymous
1860 had bought his appointment as Regarded as crass and egotistical, Beaney with Florence Nightingale. The medical
an honorary surgeon at the Melbourne performed risky operations his peers symbol below her contains the Caduceus,
Hospital. He remained an honorary for would never dare, which almost certainly or ‘The Rod of Asclepius’, being symbols of
most of his life, expending large amounts led to him defending himself a further three medicine. Beaney’s heraldic crest is more
12 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021RHSV NEWS
Left to Right:
Once Beaney’s private medical clinic, ‘Cromwell
House’, on the corner of Russell and Collins
Streets, Melbourne. Rexness February 2010.
1873 Lithographic print of caricature of Dr.
Beaney. ‘No. 6. - A Collins Street Surgeon.
Patients and Diamonds.’ State Library of Victoria
contentious, if not fictitious, and the Latin Beaney’s private medical clinic is the University of Melbourne to establish
motto Virtus sola nobilitas (Virtue is the significant in Melbourne’s architectural scholarships in Pathology and Surgery
only nobility), probably wishful thinking. history. ‘Cromwell House’ was designed which continue today. A bequest to
The arrangement is now set in a wooden by William Salway and still stands on the his hometown in Canterbury, Kent,
frame flanked by two Ferguson & Urie corner of Russell and Collins Streets, established what is known today as the
windows dating from 1867. My first diagonally opposite Scots church. Today it Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.
impression was that all the text was is home to the swank ‘Louis Vuitton’ shop Beaney’s window can be seen in the
Latin but close examination showed it with ‘Beaney Lane’ behind it. chapel of the Monash Medical Centre
was English, but all the glass has been Before Beaney’s death in 1891 he boastfully at Clayton. Unfortunately, it remains
assembled back-to-front, except for predicted the timing of his demise to his assembled back-to-front.
Beaney’s dedicatory panel at the base housekeeper: ‘…he would sink into a Further information can be found at: http://
that reads: ‘THE GIFT OF JAMES GEORGE comatose state 24 hours before his fergusonandurie.wordpress.com
BEANEY F.R.C.S. HONORARY SURGEON death and would breathe his last at 4
Ray Brown 2021
OF THIS HOSPITAL 1878’. o’clock in the morning’ - In his prediction
‘…When the hospital was rebuilt on he was but five minutes astray...” - Argus
the same site in 1913, the window was 1 July 1891.
relocated to the Chapel facing Russell Beaney was buried in the Melbourne
Street. It remained on this site following General Cemetery. Unsurprisingly for a
… the occupation of the buildings by the man so determined to leave his mark on
former Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital Melbourne, his almost-five-metre-high
from 1946 to 1988. In the late 1980s … the granite monolith still dominates that
window was transferred to the Chapel section of the cemetery skyline.
of Monash Medical Centre’s Clayton His will included many philanthropic
Campus…’ – RMH Web site 2021. disbursements, most notably £2,000 to
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 13RHSV NEWS
The Italian
Prior to the construction of the Ossario,
graves of Italian POW’s from Camp 13
Murchison, were located in the General
section of Murchison Cemetery. Each
Ossario year, beginning mid-1950s, a Mass of
Remembrance was celebrated in the open
air at a temporary altar draped with flags,
Murchison
until the Commonwealth Government
authorized the building of an Italian
Memorial on Australian soil.
The Murchison Cemetery Trust handed
To mark 75 years since the end of World away during their imprisonment in over a piece of land, fundraising began
War 2, Heritage Victoria engaged Heritage Australia during World War 2. They and Mr. Luigi Gigliotti, a notable community
Advisor David Helms to research and were military Prisoners of War (POWs) worker in Kyabram collected £25,000 from
compile an assessment on the cultural brought to our shores as Italian civilians, the Goulburn Valley Italian community.
heritage significance of the Italian Ossario, thought to be a security risk, who were Negotiations occurred with the Italian
located at Murchison, central Victoria. both resident in Australia and from allied Government, Consuls, the Commonwealth
This resulted in the Ossario being listed territories overseas. War Graves Commission and families of
on the Victorian Heritage Register on the deceased. This resulted in the remains
Entry to the grounds is through wrought
the 1 October 2020 as a Registered of Italian POWs and civilian internees,
iron gates with sculptured relief on pillars
Place: VHR Number H2405. The official previously buried in local cemeteries close
either side. The Ossario is approached
statement reads: ‘the Italian Ossario is of to the detention camps in all states of
through an avenue of Mediterranean
cultural heritage significance to the State Australia, being exhumed and re-interred
Cypress, each bearing the name of Italian
of Victoria and is to be included in the in one place, at Murchison.
Service Organizations. Appearance of
Heritage Register, as a Registered Place’. the building is attractive and distinctly The Ossario is constructed of Castlemaine
The Italian Ossario, situated in a peaceful Mediterranean. It is quite unique as it stone with terracotta tile roof, bell tower,
setting in the south east corner of the was built and is maintained by the Italian and a sanctuary area containing an altar
Murchison Cemetery is a sacred place. community, not the Commonwealth War of white Italian marble enclosed with
The Italian word ‘ossario’ (old bones) is Graves Commission as other foreign decorative wrought iron gates. The names
a place of final rest for human remains war grave cemeteries are in Australia, of the 129 men and one woman who rest
that have initially been buried elsewhere. such as the German War Cemetery at here are cast in bronze on the walls of
The Ossario shelters Italians who passed near-by Tatura. the sanctuary. The Ossario was officially
14 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021RHSV NEWS
dedicated on the 10th September 1961. A It is a European oasis, a little piece of Italy, In 2020, due to Covid-19 restrictions,
monument to their fallen comrades built set in the Australian bush-land. the annual service to be cancelled.
by Italian POWs at Camp 13 Murchison A remembrance service with speeches, Although unable to attend a memorial
was relocated and placed to the left of the Catholic mass and choral singing is service and remember those that rest
building in 1968. held annually on the nearest Sunday to in the Ossario, we can at least applaud
Initially, a crypt below ground level, housed Armistice Day in November. Hundreds of and celebrate the listing of this unique
the caskets but following severe Goulburn Italian relatives, descendants and friends place on the Victorian Heritage Register,
River flooding in the early 1970s when attend each year, coming from overseas a fitting acknowledgment of its value to
water inundated this underground area, and from all around Australia. Italian and the cultural heritage of our State and of
Victorian Health Commission ordered the Australian dignitaries attend the service its importance to the Italian community. It
caskets to be relocated above ground beginning with a procession and laying also acknowledges the significant history
level. This required extensive alteration of wreaths on the Greco memorial in the associated with POW Camp 13 Murchison.
to the Ossario in 1974, with the addition forecourt then the singing of both the Kay Ball,
of an area behind the sanctuary to house Australian and Italian national anthems. President, Murchison & District Historical
the remains. The crypt was then filled in It is a moving and colourful ceremony, Society
with sand. A memorial on the right side of with flags flying, music and men and
the forecourt created by Attilo Greco was women from Italian Services wearing their
installed in 1975, dedicated to the armed distinctive uniforms.
forces of Italy.
Enhance your next book with an Index
by Terri Mackenzie Founded
Over 30,000 items of
Victorian and interstate
Professional Back of Book Indexer
history, resources for family
Member of Australian and New Zealand
Society of Indexers
history and much more
Honorary Victorian Historical Journal Indexer available for loan.
terrianne@bigpond.com 9510 3393
www.pmi.net.au
39 St Edmonds Road,
terrianne@bigpond.com Prahran
RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 15RHSV NEWS
Left: Portrait of
architect Joseph Reed
Source: State Library
of Victoria
Bottom: Interior of the
building in 1880
Source: Museum
Victoria
The Royal The Royal Exhibition Building and its
surrounding Carlton Gardens were
and Italian Renaissance buildings. The
building is constructed of brick and
designed for the Melbourne International timber, steel and slate. The dome’s design
Exhibition Exhibition of 1880, by architect Joseph
Reed and landscape gardener William
was influenced by Brunelleschi’s 15th
century cathedral in Florence. The Royal
Building: Sangster. Joseph Reed was born in
Constantine, Cornwall, England, about
Exhibition Building is the only surviving
Great Hall that once housed a 19th century
1823 and arrived in Melbourne on 4 April international exhibition and is still used for
celebrating 1853. In the following year Reed won the
competition to design the Melbourne
exhibitions. Today, the Royal Exhibition
Building flourishes as one of the world’s
140 years of Public Library, now the State Library of
Victoria.
oldest pavilions.
By 1890 Joseph Reed was in financial
a Melbourne The 1880 exhibition attracted more than
1.3 million visitors over eight months and
the subsequent Melbourne Centennial
difficulties through land speculation and
died on 29 April 1890 of ‘inanition and
exhaustion’ and is buried at Boroondara
icon International Exhibition of 1888 was even
larger. Electric lighting was installed and
Cemetery, Kew. Reed was one of the most
talented, prolific and influential Victorian
visitors were now able to visit the building era architects in Melbourne. The Royal
at night and so the 1888 exhibition was Exhibition Building displays his skill in
the first in the world to have night-time controlling large volumes in an extensive
viewings. During the 1880 and 1888 landscape. William Sangster died on 7
international exhibitions, the southern April 1910 and is buried at the St Kilda
portion of the Carlton Gardens became Cemetery. The Royal Exhibition Building
a pleasure garden with many attractions. and Carlton Gardens were inscribed on
In the late 19th century Melbourne was the World Heritage list on 1 July 2004,
a prosperous city, basking in the wealth becoming the first building and gardens in
from the richest gold rush in the world. Australia to achieve World Heritage listing.
When it was built, the Great Hall was Rose Raymen
the largest building in Australia, and the Acknowledgements:
highest building in Melbourne. Reed’s Museum Victoria
design was influenced by Rundbogenstil, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
a nineteenth- century round-arched Australian Dictionary of Biography
architectural style combining elements State Library of Victoria
from Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic
16 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021You can also read
