Customs House, 424 Flinders Street & 1 Market Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Customs House, 424 Flinders Street & 1 Market Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 104000 1
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:DATE: 1856-58, 1873-6; 1998-;ASSOCIATIONS: Victorian Colonial Govt.;DESIGNERS:Knight, Kemp & Kerr;B Mackennal modeller;Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd,;BUILDER: Samuel Amess 1873-6IMAGES:https://flic.kr/p/2miJ8g9https://flic.kr/p/2miKteA.VICTORIA HERITAGE REGISTER H1047Statement of SignificanceWhat is significant?The Former Customs House was constructed in two separate stages between 1856-58 and 1873-76. The initial design was prepared by Knight and Kerr, and the final design, which incorporated the earlier building, was prepared by Johnson, Clark and Kerr from the Public Works Department. The three storey rendered brick building rests on bluestone foundations. The ground floor facade is rusticated and the two upper floors are surmounted by a simple projecting cornice running around the whole building. A flight of stairs leads up to the entrance doors, above which four ionic columns run through the two upper floors in support of the fascia and cornice. The site is delineated by a fine wrought iron fence with bluestone posts and base. The Customs House was converted to Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in 1965 and became an immigration museum in 1998.How is it significant?The Former Customs House is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.Why is it significant?The Former Customs House is of historical significance as a symbol of Melbourne's 19th century economic and trade development and as a tangible reminder of the former location of the city's port facilities. After the gold rushes, Victoria became a strong advocate of protection, reflecting a desire to foster the industries that had been created by the demands of a growing and increasingly wealthy society. Protection was enforced by way of customs duties on imports, making the customs house a vital component of colonial economic management and development. The grand and imposing character of the Former Customs House reflects this important role. Although NSW favoured free trade, after Federation in 1901 the country as a whole moved towards a policy of protection and the Melbourne Customs House became the headquarters of the federal Department of Customs. The location of the Former Customs House reflects the early development of Melbourne's port facilities. In the 19th century shipping docked much further up the river, as evidenced by the remnant store facilities at Banana Alley just to the east of the Customs House. The Customs House overlooked the now reconstructed turning basin in which ships were turned to make their way out of the river. The building, together with the Banana Alley vaults, the Waterside Hotel and other hotels, is a remnant trace of what was once a bustling maritime precinct.The Former Customs House is of architectural significance as one of the finest examples of a customs house in Victoria. It is an extraordinary example of the Italian Renaissance style, (with remnants of Greek Revival influence) a style greatly favoured for official buildings in Melbourne during the 1860s and 1870s. The building displays an exceptional level of craftsmanship in the execution of stone and plaster detailing. The richly embellished Long Room mirrors the Ionic columns and entablature of the Southern facade. The wrought iron fencing, which surrounds the building on three boundaries, is an important element in the definition of the Customs House reserve, which was set aside for the purpose as early as 1835.The Former Customs House is of architectural significance as an example of the work of three of the Victorian Public Works Department's most talented and accomplished architects, Peter Kerr, Arthur E. Johnson and John J. Clark. The Customs House provides evidence of the important role played by the Public Works Department in the provision of public infrastructure throughout the rapidly developing colony..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites REID, KEITH & JOHN R, 1976, MELBOURNE CBD STUDY AREA 7 (source 80) , page 23.NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (VIC)Built in stages between 1858 and 1876, the Old Melbourne Customs House is an outstanding example of a mid-Victorian colonial public building, the northern facade and Long Room being of particular distinction. Historically it is of the greatest importance, as the functional and geographic focal point of Victoria's early protectionist policies which, at the time they were introduced in the 1860s and 1870s, gained for the colony an international reputation as economic heretic and potential destroyer of the British Empire.Classified Confirmed: 20/10/1977.VICTORIA HERITAGE REGISTERContextual History:History of Place:The first customs houses were located at Port Phillip and were tents, portable buildings or makeshift huts. Prefabricated buildings designed and fabricated in Sydney were shipped in wooden crates to accommodate the few Customs officers. This was necessary in the remote settlement where skilled tradesmen and suitable building materials were not available. The one remaining example is at Geelong, in the Botanical Gardens of Eastern Park, where it was relocated from its original jetty site.Following Separation from the mother colony of NSW in 1850, and the growth of settlement in the new colony of Victoria, additional customs houses were required. Examples such as Portland and Geelong were built in locally available solid materials (bluestone at Portland, Barrabool sandstone at Geelong), to ensure security of the bond store and a demonstration of the importance of the government function of controlling and taxing the import of goods and stock. The Georgian buildings of the 1850s reflect a preoccupation with policing society, and the security of staff and revenue.The 1860s recession which followed the economic boom aided by the gold rushes, resulted in simpler, more basic customs house establishments at Port Fairy and Warrnambool, still constructed in the locally available basalt (bluestone).The customs houses at Melbourne and Williamstown of the 1870s reflected the importance of their locations. Constructed in rendered brickwork in classical revival style, these buildings serviced commercial functions, and were more publicly accessible. They reflected the maturity of the society, as the customs department became part of the mercantile community, closer to commerce and prosperity.During the 1880s, further expansion of settlement and the development of the agricultural areas in the north and west of the State led to the need for inland customs houses at border locations along the Murray River. The two major north-south route crossings are marked by handsome polychrome brick buildings in the ?gothic? style at Echuca and Wahgunyah. In addition to these, timber buildings with cattle proof verandahs and bridge gates were constructed on the bridges themselves, to aid the work of the Stock Inspector and Sub-Collector. One of these survives at Yarrawonga, where it has been relocated to the river bank. It included one office and a public access room, and is a weatherboard building with corrugated iron roof and window awnings.Living quarters were provided for Customs officers at a port where there was an absence of housing nearby. For example, accommodation was provided at Wodonga, and quarters for six officers were constructed at Point Henry.ConclusionThe pattern of provision of customs houses follows in microcosm that of the provision of railways. In following the settlement pattern, provision was at first by means of temporary timber prefabricated buildings, then in locally available stone; bluestone in the basalt areas, for example at Portland, Warrnambool and Port Fairy, and Barrabool sandstone at Geelong. The use of the austere Georgian style in stone emphasised the importance and dignity of the customs and excise function, and the functional arrangements of the earlier buildings with a secure bond store located beneath the public access or Long Room, reflected the preoccupation of the times with policing and fortress-like security. Later the customs department became part of the commercial activities of the colony and the buildings provided were more accessible to the public. The customs houses of the 1870s and 1880s reflected the architectural fashions of the day; classical revival designs in rendered brickwork at Williamstown and Melbourne, and polychrome brickwork in the ?gothic? style at important border crossing points on the Murray River - at Echuca and Wahgunyah. As with the railways, timber was used where political pressure required expeditious solutions, for example on the inland border crossings, where stock had to be inspected and customs dues collected. These designs were in weatherboard with corrugated iron roofs and window awnings, and galvanised iron fireplaces and chimneys.Associated People: Owner W T CHIDZEY;.VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-1869The current building on Flinders Street dates to the 1870's. The archaeological remains lie to the north of the extant building.The initial excavation in the North-East corner uncovered the remains of 1890's bluestone toilets. A few artefacts such as a clay pipe and bottles were found in deposits near the toilets.Excavation near the Customs House revealed remnants of the 1841 Customs House. It appears to be made of sandstone base with a brick superstructure. This is similar to the few surviving 1840's buildings in Melbourne. An examination of the plans of the Customs House indicates that the walls relate to the Housekeepers bedroom and sitting room. The walls uncovered run north-south, no return walls have been found to date. Further excavation revealed the north and east walls. Some artefacts associated with the demolition of the building were found. They include, bristol glaze, salt glaze blacking bottles with stamped makers name J. Bourne and Sons (1850-1860), a pocket knife, black bottle glass. John Pascoe Fawkner's house on site 1835. 9 rooms on ground floor, 3 rooms & 3 attics above. House demolished about April 1838. Excavations for Customs House marked out by Russell, began 1839. In 1841 "rubbish dumping" was officially permitted in the "hollow beside the Custom House". Early the same year a portion of the Custom House was complete & occupied by Customs Officers. Present building 3 storeys completed 1876. Incorporates an 1858 building and the smaller one of 1839.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Heritage Inventory Significance: The remnants of the 1841 Customs House have been preserved below the back courtyard. The remains are small but very significant. They are one of the few traces of 1840s Melbourne which has been uncovered. The building boom of the 1880Æs removed much of the early settlement of Melbourne. Little remains of the early Port Phillip settlement and the remains are a valuable interpretative tool to inform Victorians about their early history. The former Melbourne Customs House was constructed in two separate stages between 1856-58 and 1873-76. The initial design was prepared by Knight and Kerr but the final design, which was an incorporation of the earlier, was prepared by Johnson, Clark and Kerr from the Public Works Department. The three storey rendered building was conceived in the style of Italian Renaissance Revival which was popular amongst mid-nineteenth century public buildings. It features giant Ionic columns, a simple projecting cornice, a fine wrought iron fence and a cobbled rear courtyard. The former Customs House, the finest example of its type in Victoria, is an extraordinary example of the Italian Renaissance style with remnants of the Greek Revival influence. It is an example of the work by three of the Victorian Public Works Department's most talented and accomplished architects - Peter Kerr, Arthur E. Johnson and John J. Clark. The building which is essentially as completed in 1876, displays an exceptional level of craftsmanship in the execution of stone and plaster detailing. There is an unusual application of external architectural details, such as the giant columns and the entablature, repeated internally in the Long Room. The wrought iron fencing, which surrounds the building on three boundaries, is an important element in the definition of the Customs House reserve set aside for the purpose early in Melbourne's History. The building demonstrated an association with the Customs Department's successful implementation of the 1864 protectionist trade policy. As the headquarters of the federal Department of Customs for 1901, the building also demonstrates the important role played by the issue of customs in the federation movement. Present Customs House building incorporates remnants of older structures giving it the oldest foundations of any Melbourne Public Building. Site associated with notable individual, J P Fawkner (remains of his occupation may survive subject to amount of site levelling/ disturbance for construction of the subsequent Custom House buildings)._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Archeological Potential: Extant bldg Fabric,Remnant Structure,Site_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.ALLOM LOVELL & ASSOCIATES / JULY 2003 :CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN-Melbourne Customs House (Immigration Museum): 400 Flinders Street Melbourne: conservation management plan.MUSEUM OF VICTORIAhttps://museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/resources/customs-house/.LOVELL CHENhttp://www.lovellchen.com.au/lc/immigration-museum-melbourne/RAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award 1999 : John George Knight Award, with Daryl Jackson Pty LtdRAIA (Victoria) Architecture Award 1999 : The Melbourne Prize : commendation, with Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1875The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Saturday 3 July 1875 - Page 9https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11519693THE CUSTOM-HOUSE.The ugly unfinished building known as the Custom house, which for so many years disfigured the western end of Flinders street has during the last few months undergone such a process of transformation, that it may now be considered as almost entirely a new structure. The old building might have been fitly regarded as a monument of the ambitious conceptions and crude designs which were in vogue at an earlier stage of the history of the colony, when the excitement of the gold fever was causing an influx of population by thousands, and when no limit was placed to the anticipations of the future prosperity of Victoria. Buildings were then ¡ designed on a scale commensurate with the vastness of these ideas, but in the course of a few years, when the impetuous torrent had subsided to the steady flow of progress, it was found necessary to curtail expenditure The ambitious designs were left half executed, and the buildings were hastily completed sufficiently for occupation, not in accordance with the original plan, but as cheaply and as expeditiously as possible The Custom house was one example of these magnificent beginnings and sorry endings The building has been patched up from time to time, but the present alterations which have so changed its appearance were commenced about 18 months ago.The accommodation provided has been nearly doubled, and the building is now commodious, well lighted, and well ventilated. The style of architecture is Grecian. The building consists of the centre block and two wings, which stand back about 12ft. The front elevation to Flinders street, though plan and unpretentious, presents a pleasing appearance 'The large unsightly platform, and flight of steps leading up, which formerly fronted the main entrance, have been removed, and the entrance now as to the ground floor instead of, as before, to the first story. The central portion of the front elevation is ornamented by a row of columns, four in number. The windows are enriched with large architraves and cornices. A moulding of the Royal arms, modelled by Mr. Mackennal, will be placed over the centre door, and a statue representing commerce will surmount the pediment. There are two large flagstaff erected on the top of the building The rear elevation is relieved by a row of eight columns The east and west elevations are ornamented by pilasters instead of columns The main entrance to the building is from Flinders street but there are also entrances in each of the wings and at the rear. A moderate flight of steps leads up to the front entranceOn entering the building there is a hall but by 34ft, from the right of which the main staircase ascends and passes to the top of the building. The staircase is wide and well lighted. The centre portion of the basement floor, being that part immediately under the Long room, is set apart for Queen's warehouses, where goods not removed to other bonds can be stored until the duty is paid thereon The rooms in the west wing will be occupied by the chief harbourmaster department. The board-room of the Steam Navigation and Pilot Boards is a large, though not lofty room. In the east wing will be the offices of the inspector of distilleries and immigration officer, and the inspector of weights and measures. The front room will be used for the post and telegraph office A portion of the (Queen's warehouse has been set apart as the place in which the inspector of distilleries can conduct the necessary tests, A corridor runs through the centre of the building, dividing the Queen's warehouse into two parts. The main staircase leads upon the first floor to a large hall, 38ft, by 31 ft Upon this floor is the Long Room, a handsome and commodious room, 88ft. in length by 54ft wide and 38ft high, reaching in fact to the top of the building The room is nearly twice the size of the previous one, and is admirably lighted and ventilated On the north side there are several large circular headed windows, and above the entablature around the room are attic windows, which open on pivots. There are rows of fluted Ionic columns on the north and south sides of the hall, and at each end large pilasters A heavy cornice and entablature run around the walls and the ceiling is panelled and on ached with mouldings The floor is paved with Minton tiles, The room will be handsomely fitted up. The counter will be of a circular shape, commencing from the entrance door and extending round the room to the other side of the door, and will be about 6ft from the walls. In the central space two large tables will be placed for the convenience of the public. In each of the recesses between the columns there will be desks for the clerks Upon the same floor there are two large rooms, besides the Long room. The office of the Collector of Customs (Mr. Guthrie is situated to the west end of the Long room, and adjoining is the room of the chief clerk. The other offices will be occupied by export clerks landing surveyors and other clerks. To the left of the landing is a room for Custom House agents, which will be fitted up with a counter, desks, and other conveniences. Upon the second Door there are 11 rooms. In the west wing will be the office of the Commissioner and assistant, commissioner of Customs The Minister's room is large and well lighted. The other rooms will be occupied by clerks of the department. The staircases throughout the building are of stone Besides the main stair- case there are two smaller ones in the wings There is still a large amount of work to be done, and it will take at least three months before the building is ready for occupation The cost of these alterations and additions will be about ₤30 000.Mr Samuel Amess is the contractor and the work has been carried out under the superintendence of the Public Works department. Mr Taylor is the clerk of worksTenders will be called for immediately for the erection of a stone wall and iron railing around the building, The enclosed space will be planted.
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
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| Original | 104000 1 | 1 JPEG : 248 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |