Name/TitleState Library, competition design, Melbourne, c. 1856
About this objectA colour tinted drawing of a very large Neoclassical building which was entered into the competition to design a building to house the public library, national gallery and technological museum. This image is taken from a wood engraving by S. Calvert.
In 1853, the newly appointed Trustees called for plans "and invited with the offer of liberal premiums the competition of all the professional men whose services were available" (Trove, The Age, Tue 12 Feb 1856). Joseph Reed's design won the competition with that of Mr Burgoyne coming second.
The library, fronting Swanston Street between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale streets, opened in February 1856.
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.
MakerGunn's Slides (Firm)
Maker RoleSlide Maker
Inscription and MarksMount: State Library Victoria / []quish design / Melbourne Public Library
Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm
Period1850-1860
Object TypeGlass slide
Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956
Subject and Association KeywordsState Library of Victoria
Subject and Association KeywordsArchitectural competitions
Subject and Association KeywordsCalvert, Samuel, 1828-1913.
Subject and Association KeywordsReed, Joseph, 1823?-1890.
Named CollectionImages collection
Object numberGS-EM-62
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
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