Washington, 263 Flemington Road, North Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1983
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Washington, 263 Flemington Road, North Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1983
Search dates:
01 Jan 1983 - 31 Dec 1983
Reference number:
Butler15344
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materials
Part of:
Access restrictions:
Unrestricted
Use restrictions:
Unrestricted
General notes:
GRAEME BUTLER 1983, CONSERVATION STUDY FOR THE CITY OF MELBOURNE OF NORTH AND WEST MELBOURNEBuilding Grading as at 1985 (A-E): BPeriod : Mid Victorian (1876)Crown Grantee : J Tobin 1865History- Ironfounder and engineer, Angus Maclean first owned this house. Remaining there until c1880, Maclean proceeded to lease Washington to persons such as William J. Coburn, a share broker: Percy Jenkins a fishmonger; and William Gray, a dealer.Maclean was born in Greenock Scotland and apprenticed as 'a figure, flower and ornamental' carver. After initially gold seeking in Victoria, he recommenced his trade, decorating buildings such as Parliament House, Melbourne Town Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral. He received a medal for the best sculpture shown at the 1862 Exhibition and his ironwork was considered to be original and elegant.He established a foundry which was concerned solely with the production of ornamental ironwork, soon successfully expanding to Sydney and Adelaide. He patented a new invention in the trade whereby zinc replaced cast iron supposedly having a higher finish. This was taken up by architects around the world, showing that Victorian-made ironwork of the art. He was a great advocate of technical and design education and a strong protectionist. [Victoria and its Metropolis Vol IIB p 612]Description- A parapeted, two-storey stuccoed brick house with a two-level cast-iron verandah and segment-arched fenestration. Drip moulds terminate on rosettes above each opening or opening-couple encompassing stylised voussoirs and as part of an implied window bay on the ground level. Duplex posts support panelled friezes, finished brackets and Maclean's own 1876 patent balustrade pattern. The distinctive part of the verandah is that it is open ended and has a rare, hipped roof. Unusual pipe balustrading is used on the long stair flight required to reach the elevated verandah. The fence presumably was timber picketed at the front and down the side of the carriage drive which exists to the west of the house: the absence of the typical side garden wall leaves the stair wall exposed which is uncommon.Integrity - The picket fencing has gone (presumably spade-head - as surviving posh) a large gutter has been added at the storey-level and roof plumbing generally has been replaced/altered.Streetscape - An isolated building facing the boulevard.Significance- Architecturally, An early and unusual example of a typical row house form with elegant details and proportions. It is generally original and possesses perhaps the first use of this balustrade iron pattern in Victoria: of high regional importance. Historically, closely associated with Angus Maclean, an iron founder of national prominence and of particular importance to North Melbourne as an active community leader and representative of a typical building-allied industry.Recommendations - Repaint in typical or original colours;replace upper and lower rain water gutters with ogee-profile;investigate rebuilding of picket fence (spade-head) to original or typical details.References:(RB= Rate book; D= Melbourne or Victoria Directory; V&M = Sutherland, Victoria and its Metropolis)1. RB 1876, 3583; 1880, 36972. V.&M. Vol. IIB p.612
Location of originals:
\\mcc\groups\comserv\Melbourne Library Service\Community Heritage\Spydus\Butler collection\Butler15344.jpg
Related material link:
Record types:
Images, maps and artefacts
Record number:
746382
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Butler15344 | 3.6 MB ; 2656 x 4469 px | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |