Spier and Crawford, warehouse , 259 Williams Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Total copies: 1
Title:
Spier and Crawford, warehouse , 259 Williams Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 110104
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
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 2023:__________________________________________________DATE: 1889;ASSOCIATIONS: Spier & Crawford;DESIGNER: Barnet, Nahum;BUILDER: Smith & UptonPeriod: VictorianNotable features: 1. One of a group of wine dealers in area. 2. Strong architectural forms_________________________________GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYHistoryWine and spirit merchants, Spiers and Crawford, commissioned Nahum Barnet to design this warehouse and Smith and Upton to build it, commencing in mid 1888.Originally sited between two stone liquor-linked premises, 261 William Street (formerly part of the old Metropolitan Hotel) and D J Tuomy and Company's wholesale wine and spirit stores, William Spiers and Robert Crawford were ideally located for their trade. Behind and beside them, Wrigley and Heymensen owned stores at a later time: one at the rear of 523-25 Little Lonsdale Street (1855) survives also serving in the liquor trade for later owners of 259 William Street, Fogarty and Doyle Pty Ltd.Robert Crawford survived Spiers to tell of his life in the `Cyclopedia of Victoria' (1904). Irish and although in the grocery business for a lifetime, Crawford's preoccupation was now horse racing, via the Victoria Racing Club committee (1897-). In his own business since 1877, after over ten previous years in north eastern Victoria (Beechworth), he told nothing of Spiers when he described the building of this warehouse in 1888. Crawford was gone by 1915; the new owners, liquor merchants Fogarty and Doyle Pty Ltd, remaining there into the 1960s.DescriptionBarnet uses his favourite architectural vocabulary on this early commission. The English Queen Anne or Baroque period provides the overblown classical detailing in this strongly modelled facade which appears to be anything but strictly ornamental. Scrolls to the parapet,relatively restrained twin pediments beneath and more impressive gables supported by Barnet's long consoles (see Moss White factory), near ground level, are the main forms within the strong tripartite massing of the elevation. A ground floor window arch with foliated spandrels and an iron palisade fence are valuable period details.Unlike many CAD warehouses from this period the ground level has not been drastically altered. At the rear however, the arched former loading doors are now long windows.External IntegrityOpenings front and rear have been retained but reglazed in a neutral manner; brickwork on the side elevation has been painted.StreetscapePart of a low-scale group with mid 19th century character.SignificanceA free and successful use of the English Baroque which is distinguished by the strength of the modelling, expressing its warehouse use also, with the adjoining buildings, linked with the liquor trade for near 100 years. twin pediments beneath and more impressive gables supported by Barnet's long consoles (see Moss White factory), near ground level, are the main forms within the strong tripartite massing of the elevation_________________________________RAWORTH, B 2002. REVIEW OF HERITAGE OVERLAY LISTINGS IN THE CBDfor the City of MelbourneHistory and Description259 William Street, was constructed in 18891 as a three storey shop (sic) for wine merchants, Spiers & Crawford.2 Designed by distinguished local architect, Nahum Barnet and built by Smith & Upton, it is a particularly good example of the boldly mannered approach found in Barnet's early work.Nahum Barnet was one of the most prolific architects of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He served articles with Terry and Oakden from 1876 before establishing his own practice in 1880. His first substantial commission derived from a competition for the design of the Working Mens College, (in association with Terry and Oakden, 1883). Further large commissions followed including, the Alexandra Theatre (now Her Majesty's Theatre, 1886), Ferguson & Mitchell's warehouse in Clarendon Street, South Melbourne (1887), the Montefiore Homes in St Kilda Road (1888), and a number of City warehouses. Through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Barnet would become the City's most innovative producer of commercial buildings including, the Friendly Societies House in Elizabeth Street (1902), Bank House in Bank Place (c.1903), The Paton Building in Elizabeth Street (1905). Altson's building on the north corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets (1906), Armstrong House in Queen Street (1907), the Hotel London in Elizabeth Street (1911) and the Auditorium Building in Collins Street (1913). Barnet also designed Victoria's most important Jewish Temple, the Baroque Classicist Melbourne Synagogue in Toorak Road South Yarra (1928-30).The shop at 259 William Street dates from the early years of Barnet's practice. It is a distinctive building with boldly figured decorative elements to the façade. Some window elements have been altered, particularly at the ground floor, but the building is reasonably intact with sculptural arches and pediments and consoles throughout.Statement of Significance259 William Street is of aesthetic significance at a local level for its exceptional, boldly modelled façade built to designs by noted local architect, Nahum Barnet.Footnotes:1 Perrot (sic), CAD Study, 1979, p.166.2 Butler, CAD Conservation Study, 1985, 259 William Street._______________________________GRAEME BUTLER & ASSOCIATES 2011, CENTRAL CITY (HODDLE GRID) HERITAGE REVIEWStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?Wine and spirit merchants, Spier and Crawford, commissioned architect Nahum Barnet to design this four storey brick warehouse and Smith and Upton of Collingwood to build it, commencing in mid 1888. Originally sited between the old Metropolitan Hotel and D J Tuomy and Company's wholesale wine and spirit stores, William Spiers and Robert Crawford were ideally located for their liquor wholesale trade. Behind and beside them, Wrigley and Heymensen owned stores at a later time: one at the rear of 523- 525 Little Lonsdale Street (1855) survives having also served in the liquor trade for later owners of 259 William Street, Fogarty and Doyle Pty Ltd. Spier and Crawford also owned or traded in many country hotels.Robert Crawford survived Spier to tell of his life in the `Cyclopaedia of Victoria' (1904). Although in the grocery business for a lifetime, Crawford's preoccupation was now horse racing, via the Victoria Racing Club committee (1897 -). In his own business since 1877, after over ten previous years in north eastern Victoria (Beechworth), he told nothing of Spier when he described the building of this warehouse in 1888. The partners had not survived the Great Depression of the early 1890s. Crawford was gone by 1915; the new owners, liquor merchants Fogarty and Doyle Pty Ltd, remaining there into the 1960s.The designer, Nahum Barnet, was one of the most prolific architects of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He served articles with Terry and Oakden from 1876 before establishing his own practice in 1880. His first substantial commission derived from a competition for the design of the Working Men's College, (in association with Terry and Oakden, 1883). Further large commissions followed including, the Alexandra Theatre (now Her Majesty's Theatre, 1886), Ferguson & Mitchell's warehouse in Clarendon Street, South Melbourne (1887), the Montefiore Homes in St Kilda Road (1888), and a number of City warehouses. Through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Barnet would become the City's most innovative producer of commercial buildings including, the Friendly Societies House in Elizabeth Street (1902), Bank House in Bank Place (c.1903), The Paton Building in Elizabeth Street (1905). Altson's building on the north corner of Collins and Elizabeth Streets (1906), Armstrong House in Queen Street (1907), the Hotel London in Elizabeth Street (1911) and the Auditorium Building in Collins Street (1913). Barnet also designed Victoria's most important Jewish Temple, the Baroque Classicist Melbourne Synagogue in Toorak Road South Yarra (1928-30).Barnet uses his favourite Victorian-era architectural vocabulary on this early commission. The English Queen Anne or Baroque period provided the overblown classical detailing in this strongly modelled façade. Scrolls to the parapet, relatively restrained twin pediments beneath and more impressive gables supported by Barnet's distinctive long consoles (see Moss White factory), near ground level, are the main forms within the strong tripartite massing of the elevation. A ground floor window arch with foliated spandrels and an iron palisade fence are valuable period details. Unlike many Capital City Zone warehouses from this period the ground level has not been drastically altered. At the rear however, the arched former loading doors are now long windows.How is it significant?Spier and Crawford's warehouse is significant historically and aesthetically to the Melbourne Capital City ZoneWhy is it significant?Spier and Crawford's warehouse is aesthetically significant for its well-preserved and strong architectural expression of Baroque and English Queen Anne revival forms by the eminent architect, Nahum Barnet, while historically the building is also a particularly well-preserved example of a commercial warehouse and offices long associated with the Melbourne and Victorian wine industry.________________________________GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM_______________________________________Perrott Lyon Timlock and Kesa, Historical and Architectural Survey Area 2, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), for the Historic Buildings Preservation Council, 1976 ( 79):166 cites Australasian Builder and Contractor's News 14.7.1888; states of little architctural significancein the State context comapred to Askew's Stalbridge Chambers (Victorian Heritage Register H0502)._______________________________________City of Melbourne Building Permit Application6 July 1888, 3510 cites builder, owner, designer, warehouse, fee ₤3/3/- ;_______________________________________Australian Architectural Index (AAI)Nahum BARNETTacceptance of tender - erection of 2 storey brick warehouse in William St, Melbourne for Spicer and Crawford Smith and Upton, Australasian Builder and Contractor's News 14.7.1888: 42; also 23 June: 416.`The Argus':Saturday 9 June 1888Tenders by Nahum Barnet`Are REQUIRED for the ERECTION of a Four storey Brick WAREHOUSE,William Street, For Messrs Spier and Crawford wine and spirit merchants'___________________________________NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1882The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954)Saturday 1 July 1882 - Page 1announcing commencement of business at 45 Queen St.......SPIER and CRAWFORD, the members of the firm being William- Henry Spier and Robert, Crawford, ,whose lengthened experience and position will enable them to buy in the best markets, and who trust, by-strict attention to business and a careful regard to the interest of their clients, to merit a share of your patronage. - iSPIER and CRAWFORD.Thursday 20 December 1888Spier and Crawford address is William St, previous Queen St- frequent advertising sale of hotels21 Sep 1892:`MITTA MITTA, MONDAY.A fire took place this morning about half past 2 o'clock, by which the Junction Hotel and contents were destroyed. The property was occupied by William Lord, and owned by Messrs. Spier and Crawford, Melbourne. Mr. John Lake's promises the post-office, and other Government offices had a narrow escape, but the plucky efforts of the residents prevented the lire from spreading to adjacent property'4 July 1893:The secretary of the Old Colonists' Association acknowledges the receipt of the follow donation from S&C.Saturday 10 March 1894`NOTICE Is hereby given, that the PARTNFRSHIP heretofore subsisting between William Henry Spier, and Robert Crawford, trading under the style or firm of 'Spier and Crawford', at Melbourne, as wine and spirit merchants, has been DISSOLVED, as from the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and ninety four The said Robert Crawford will carry on the said business from the said date on his own account, and will receive and pay all debts of and relating thereto Dated this twenty seventh day of February 1894…',_______________________________________VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-11441866 - building on site. 1880 Panorama - site vacant? 1889 - 3 storey store and offices built for Robert Crawford, Wine and Spirit Merchant. 1905 - 3 storey building, Crawford, Wine and Spirit Merchants._______________________________________MCC i-Heritage: Central Activities District Conservation Study - Graeme Butler, 1984Building Identification Form (BIF): Notable features include elaborate/high standard design of cement rendered surfaces (strong forms); one of a group of wine dealers in area; Rear altered and openings reglazed (both sympathetic), bricks at side painted (inappropriate - remove by approved method)._______________________________________
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 110104 | 1 PDF : 1,147 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |