217-219 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Butler, Graeme21 Jan 1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
217-219 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
21 Jan 1985
Reference number:
BIF-NORTH 109695
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Access restrictions:
UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
Grading as at 1985 : DPeriod : Early VictorianGrantee : D Mailer 1859The location of the first Allison mortuary business, under the style of Henry Allison..was claimed to have been in 1854 at this address, however since the grant was issued in 1859, this is doubtful. Henry died in 1884, to be succeeded by his son Alfred and several branches were added. Five years later, Alfred died leaving the business to his brother-in-law, Walter Downing. 'The most prominent and extensively known establishment in the metropolis..' By 1903, branches existed at Moonee Ponds, Newmarket, Clifton Hill and High Street, Northcote [Cyclopedia of Victoria Vol 3 p 170]Henry Allison applied to build a shop and dwelling here in 1865 [Melbourne Building Permit Applications 1002/1865]Consisting of a parapetted stuccoed brick pair: one a shop and residence (221) and the other possessing a carriage entrance with a residence over. Simple fenestration (221 with blind hoods) and cornice mouldings provide the typically conservative elevation. Notable features include stable for funeral parlour - 221; doors similar to old type.Architecturally, old and of a conservative design, typical of the date, but altered, however the survival of the carriage way to 217-19 provides an uncommon element in the commercial streetscape which communicates the 19th century nature and original use of the building: of local importance. Historically, among the oldest group of shops in the area and reputedly the embodiment of an even older business which survives today on a metropolitan-wide basis: of regional importance.(Referring to a photograph, 'Cyclopedia of Victoria' Vol.3 p.170) The timber street verandah has been replaced on 221, with a cantilever; the shop front with central ingo and panelled timber plinths, have been replaced; dado tiles have been added to 217-19 and the formerly biparting carriage way doors replaced.
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Form/Genre:
Record types:
Images, maps and artefacts
Record number:
1614073
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 109695 | 1 PDF : 750 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |