E. W. Tilley Buildings, 123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1984
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
E. W. Tilley Buildings, 123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1984
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105440
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
Access restrictions:
UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:__________________________________________________Style: Moderne (123), Modern (131)Period: Inter-WarConstruction dates: 1. 1935-1936 (123), 2. 138-1939, 3. 1946-1947 (131)ASSOCIATIONS: Tilley,E W;DESIGNER: Perrott, Leslie M & Partners;BUILDER: Watt, Ernest ANotable features: Curved forms of offices expressed plastic manufacturing inside.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceHistoryUntil the last factory stage of this building was completed (1947), Mr. E Tilley moulded plastic and Mr. G Tilley made watch cases somewhere in the eastern and first stage to this complex. Somewhere the Ruskin Press was at work, all at 123 La Trobe Street which had been in existence since 1936 and, with an added floor, since 1939. Next door to the west, the Sands & McDougall directory hinted darkly at the anonymous presence of `Chinese' but they were soon replaced Tilley’s plastic works expansion. Featherston Contract Interiors were an early tenant of 131, remaining so until c1985.The architects were Leslie M Perrott (1936, 1939) and Leslie M Perrott & Partners (1947). Keith Mackay (later Mussed Mackay) was the project architect of the last stage.DescriptionFittingly formed for the premises of a plastic moulder, the first stage (123) resembles a contemporary Bakelite mantle radio or perhaps a generously proportioned armchair, with the large central recessed glass area and unusual curved zinc capping set between the two moulded Moderne styled arms. The last stage was severe, Modern and rectilinear, by comparison, using the existing curved mass to terminate its long flush all glass facade.External IntegrityGenerally originalStreetscapeIsolated, possible scale and materials relationship.SignificanceAptly expressive of both its first function and the contemporary Moderne stylism, the various stages of building integrate well and provide a sophisticated architectural solution to the traditionally plain industrial city buildings..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBuilding Identification Form cites GRAEME BUTLER 1982-3, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (VIC) 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE SURVEY and 20th CENTURY BUILDINGS REGISTER.GRAEME BUTLER 1982-3, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (VIC) 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE SURVEY and 20th CENTURY BUILDINGS REGISTERSurvey Data SheetREFERENCESSource 19-12.11.1935 (i11ust);Drawings (Perrott Lyon Mathieson P/L; 9.37 (Extra floor to (stage 1); 30.6.47(new factory to .west); (L.M. Perrott·Jnr. K. MacKay Project designer of stage 3CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION 16754 5.10.35;CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION 18875, 28.10.38;CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION 23771, 3.10.1946 (new factory).VICTORIA HERITAGE COUNCILXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX DRAFT ONLY XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXSOURCE: HISTORIC BUILDINGS COUNCIL.THE MOST DISTINCTIVE OF THE TWO STRUCTURES IS THE 1936/37 STRUCTURE AT 123-129 LATROBE STREET. IT IS A BROAD COMPOSITION IN JAZZ-AGE 'MODERNE' BASED LARGELY ON VERTICAL ELEMENTS. THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS ON THE EDGES OF STRONG HORIZONTAL BAND IS UNUSUAL FOR THIS STYLE WITH MORE OFTEN CARRIED THE VERTICAL MOTIF STRONGLY AT THE CENTRE OF THE COMPOSITION. THIS APPROACH ENABLED A COMBINATION OF THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MOTIFS A COMBINATION THAT WAS ALSO SEEN TO SOME EXTENT IN MITCHELL HOUSE, ELIZABETH STREET. THE SECOND BUILDING (OR LATER EXTENSION OF THE BUILDING) WAS IN A MUCH SIMPLER STYLE,MORE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 50'S AND 60'S. IT MOVED AWAY FROM THE EMPHASISED HORIZONTALITY AND VERTICALITY AND CURVED CORNERS, GLASS ETC. TO THE SIMPLE RECTANGULAR FENESTRATION BASED ON HORIZONTAL BANDING. FAR FROM DETRACTING FROM THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, THE LATER ADDED SUN-LOUVRES EMPHASISE THIS HORIZONTAL BANDING AND ENSURE THAT THE TWO BUILDINGS PRESENT A UNIFIED FACE TO LATROBE STREET - NO DOUBT THE ALL EMBRACING COAST OF WHITE PAINT ASSISTS INTHIS REGARD ALSO..CONTEXT (WITH GJM HERITAGE) 2020, HODDLE GRID HERITAGE REVIEWDate of construction:123 La Trobe Street 1935131 La Trobe Street 1946Explanation for exclusion (from Heritage Overlay):Substantially altered, defaced E W Tilley Buildings.Low integrity.Low architectural quality..NEWSPAPERS:The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954)Tuesday 12 November 1935 - Page 16https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203893251BUILDING& ARCHITECTURESTREAMLINE STRUCTURES.Interesting Phase in Designing.It Is evident from the perspective drawing reproduced on this page, showing the elevation to Latrobe-street of new factory premises being erected there, that sharp building angles may soon be entirely superseded in modern construction by the use of streamline designs, particularly of parapets. This building is distinctive, not only for the marked advance in "flow" design, but for the recessing of the central portion to a depth of no fewer than 9 feet from the building line. The concession of valuable land was largely dictated by future traffic problems, the setback enabling shoppers to inspect goods displayed in the windows without interrupting the passage of pedestrian traffic. A third feature of the structure will be a roof constructed of zinc, with raised rolls at Intervals, which will sweep up from the cornice, and will be carried back out of sight to form a flat bed, on which facilities for recreational purposes are to be provided. This tendency to "round off" angular lines is almost universal nowadays, and has obviously impelled designers to Introduce features which express something of the prevailing and marked conversion to speed in transport of all types.The factory, which it' being erected for Mr. E. W. Tilley, will have a frontage 9f 66% feet to Latrobe-street, with a depth of 144 feet. It will be of steel and reinforced concrete up to three floors, and the exterior surface will be carried out In an Atlas white finish. The site has many advantages, chief of which is Its proximity to the city and public gardens. Eight old and unsightly tenement dwellings, formerly occupied by Chinese cabinet makers, were demolished in' .preparation for the building scheme, on the completion of which a fresh appearance will be given to the locality. Portion of the factory will be leased by G. Tilley Pty. Ltd., watch case manufacturers, a recently-established concern that made rapid progress as a result of the protection afforded the industry by an effective tariff. The ground floor will be used by the owner, Mr. E. W. Tilley, manufacturer of plastic pressings, who proposes to extend his activities to the production of machine tools and dies. Above the show windows of the factory on the ground floor will be a broad horizontal band of black Carrara glass, which will provide a background for distinctive and easily-read trade signs. A' wrought-iron balustrade Is to be erected along the pavement line, to protect the windows, rising from which will be the central structural element of polished glass, surmounted with a cornice of stainless steel. The two side features, which will punctuate the recessed portion of the factory, will be distinguished by the fins running up from the pavement to curve over the top of the elevation. Provision was made for two entrances treated with terra-cotta — one to motor car show rooms, and the other for factory operations. An interesting method of Imparting the deep shadows noticeable In the illustration will be the cantilevering of the two upper floors over the ground floor. Inside the building, large bays, 30 feet by 30 -feet, will be provided, and by this arrangement clear floor space will be available. Natural light will be introduced on all four sides of the building, and a ventilation system of advanced design installed. All pipes will be concealed, and flushes provided instead of the old-fashioned cisterns. The architect for the work Is Mr. L. M. Perrott, of Temple Court.
Related material link:
123 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler13972\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler16546\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler16544\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler16545\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler13973\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler16547\\)123-131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (Butler16543\\)
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Research and reports
Record number:
1248535
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105440 | 1 PDF : 1,167 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |