eHive Object Details

Name/TitleIndependent Church, Collins Street, Melbourne, c. 1900

About this objectThis photograph of Independent Church, which is located on the north-east corner of Russell and Collins streets, has been taken from the west and south-side of Collins Street. The building has been known as St Michaels Uniting Church since 1971.

This church was designed by Joseph Reed of Reed and Barnes between 1863 and 1866. It is a fine example of Lombardic Romanesque style, with polychromatic brickwork. The foundation stone was laid by Henry Hopkins on 22 November 1866 and the building was constructed by John Young.

The photograph includes, to the left, the side entrance of Scot's Church which is located on the opposite side of Russell Street. Scot's Presbyterian Church was built in 1874, and also designed by Reed and Barnes.

A headless horse (!) stands with a hansom cab at the curb in the foreground. The driver is sitting inside the cab with arms crossed facing the photographer, or maybe he is having a nap. Telegraph poles and wires run along one side of Collins and Russell streets. Tram lines can be seen in the road surface in Collins Street.

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1900-1910

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsReed, Joseph, 1823?-1890.

Subject and Association KeywordsReed and Barnes (Architects)

Subject and Association KeywordsUniting Church

Subject and Association KeywordsChurches

Subject and Association KeywordsHansom Cabs

Subject and Association KeywordsYoung, John, 1827-1907

Subject and Association KeywordsHopkins, Henry, 1787-1870

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-BCS-23

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved