eHive Object Details

Name/TitleUniversity of Melbourne : first building - original design, c. 1855

About this objectThis etching of the proposed first major building (quadrangle) to be constructed at the University of Melbourne campus, focusses on the south wing with its short tower. Unfortunately, after building the other three wings of the quadrangle, there were no more funds to complete this fourth, south side above the foundations.

This image is probably one of the etchings commissioned by the architect, Francis Maloney White, of the building he envisioned. He based his design on contemporary British university buildings which favoured the Tudor Gothic style to denote ties to traditional seats of learning, but with an absence of ecclesiastic features, to indicate modernity and secular ideas.

The foundation stone was laid in 1854 by the first Chancellor, Sir Redmond Barry, and the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Charles Hotham. The design was altered many times during the build. The original design of the south wing tower inspired the clocktower of the Old Arts building opened in 1924. The south wing was finally constructed in 1969.

A creek was dammed to create the lake, and gardens of native and exotic plantings and meandering paths were landscaped around the Quadrangle.

Also see "A History of the University of Melbourne" by E. Scott (1936) opposite p12. Similar image GS-EM-72.

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

MakerT.W. Cameron (Firm)

Maker RoleSlide Maker

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1850-1860

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsUniversity of Melbourne (Parkville, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsBarry, Redmond, Sir, 1813-1880.

Subject and Association KeywordsHotham, Charles, Sir, 1806-1855.

Subject and Association KeywordsWhite, Francis Maloney, 1819-1888

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-BCS-46

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved