Name/TitleMelbourne Public Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne, c. 1880
About this objectThis photograph of Melbourne Public Library, now State Library of Victoria, located on the east side of Swanston Street between Little Lonsdale and La Trobe streets, has been taken from the opposite, west side of Swanston Street.
The library was built in stages to a design by Joseph Reed, the foundation stone being laid in 1853.
The central part of the Swanston Street wing, opened in 1856, is shown in the image, with the Classical portico constructed later, in 1870. Part of the south wing, completed 1859, and part of the north wing, completed 1864, are also seen. The wrought iron gates and enclosing fence were added during the 1870s.
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
Period1870-1880
Object TypeGlass slide
Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956
Subject and Association KeywordsReed, Joseph, 1823?-1890.
Subject and Association KeywordsReed and Barnes (Architects)
Subject and Association KeywordsSwanston Street (Melbourne, Vic.)
Subject and Association KeywordsMelbourne Public Library
Subject and Association KeywordsState Library of Victoria
Subject and Association KeywordsMelbourne (Victoria.)
Subject and Association KeywordsHoddle Grid
Named CollectionImages collection
Object numberGS-BCS-66
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
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