Spink Brothers' tin works, 488-494 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Spink Brothers' tin works, 488-494 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105468
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.
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:__________________________________________________Period: VictorianDATE: 1882;ASSOCIATIONS: Edward J & Samuel Spink (Spink Brothers);DESIGNER: Watts, Thomas;BUILDER: Noble, Kay - Erin St RichmondImage: https://flic.kr/p/2mPAXZx.GRAEME BUTLER 2015-16. WEST MELBOURNE HERITAGE REVIEWStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?Builder Kay Noble of Erin Street Richmond erected this factory-workshop in 1882 for the Spink Brothers, wholesale and retail tinsmiths, jam and fruit preservers of Melbourne. Noted architect, Thomas Watts, was the designer.The Spink Brothers' tin works was at this address and their preserving works at La Trobe Street East. By 1890, Edward John Spink and Samuel Spink were declared insolvent due to Insufficient capital, arising from having sold goods too cheaply to compete; Samuel was dead by 1897. The JB Watson Trust and later Joseph W Ellis were the next major owners, leasing the building to firms such as Sass and Cockram.The complex has developed over time with the 1895 plan showing the probable 1880s extent. Now the building extends further into the block with new fibre cement sheet clad sawtooth roofing abutting and replacing the original roofline, possibly for use by Molloy and Co, hide and skin merchants or C. N. Meyers, paper merchants.The architect Thomas Watts was responsible for a number of large Victorian-era commercial projects including part of Felton Grimwade and Company's early chemical works, West Melbourne, and the now demolished Robb's Building (similar elevation to this building). The firm has a number of places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and some 269 entries in the Australian Architecture Index.Victorian Heritage Register examples associated with Watts include:Dalmeny House etc 21, 23 Queensberry Street, Carlton, erected in 1888 by the Paterson family;Malvern House Willoby Avenue, Glen Iris built in 1891-2;Bontharambo Homestead Boorhaman Road, Wangaratta;Prince's Park Grandstand Park Street, Maryborough;CSR Complex Whitehall Street, Yarraville, 1870s wing; andBank Of Victoria Camp Street, Beechworth.This building was identified in the Central Activities District (CAD) Conservation Study of 1985, with the note that it possessed `high integrity for type and scale in the CAD'. This integrity has been reduced since.Contributory elements include:2 storey cemented parapeted Italian Renaissance Revival style façade;simple cornice and entablature;double-hung sash windows to upper level with cemented architraves;double-hung sash windows to east side wall;red brick saw-tooth rear wings potential early 20th century visible on west;original side wall, fenestration and roofline on east side (loading doors changed); andground level segmentally arched openings, with identified significant window joinery and openings extended to near ground level since 1985.Changes to ground level as above, former lobby door entry changed since 1985; bricks painted over east side wall, openings and loading doors changed. Sawtooth wall and roofing added.How is it significant?Edward J and Samuel Spink's tinsmith workshop is significant historically and aesthetically to West Melbourne.Why is it significant?Edward J. and Samuel Spink's tinsmith workshop is significant.Historically, as an early and relatively well-preserved industrial building in the Melbourne Central Activities District, linked with jam making, fruit preserving and the Spink brothers; andAesthetically, as a custom workshop design by renowned architect, Thomas Watts in the prevailing commercial style..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites source 81p82.VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-21051882 factory and workshop.1905 - 2 storey building__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Archaeological Potential: Potential (area).VICTORIA HERITAGE DATABASEThomas Watts designs- includeDalmeny House etc 21, 23 Queensberry Street Carlton, erected in 1888 by the Paterson family. It is one of a pair of houses designed for the Patersons by the architect Thomas Watts (Victorian Heritage Register )Malvern House 5-15 Willoby Avenue Glen Iris, was designed by Thomas Watts & Sons, and built in 1891-2 (Victorian Heritage Register);Bontharambo Homestead 387 Boorhaman Road Wangaratta, Bontharambo run. (Victorian Heritage Register )Prince's Park Grandstand Park Street Maryborough (Victorian Heritage Register )CSR Complex 265 Whitehall Street Yarraville, 1870s wing (Victorian Heritage Register )Bank Of Victoria 29 Camp Street Beechworth (Victorian Heritage Register).Probate papers, PROVSamuel Spink Tinsmith Melbne. 3 Jan 1897 64/725 VPRS 28/P0, unit 827;VPRS 28/P2, unit 461; VPRS 7591/P2, unit 263 - ₤120 personal, no applicable real estate, to Ellen Spink, Ascot Vale.LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX: Record( 269 entries overall for Watts)77021 Noble, Kay - Erin Street Richmond Spink Bros Melbourne VIC Factory/City of Melbourne registration no 9285 [Burchett Index]. Fee 2.2.0 workshop Watts, Thomas; 1882 07 17 -Latrobe Street west(See also 77023 Rawsthorn & Williamson - Kensington Hill Watson, T Melbourne VIC Warehouse; alterations Watts, Thomas & Son 1883 07 6- No other by description location, owner 1880-1895, No Molloy).MAHLSTEDT FIRE INSURANCE PLAN SERIESc1910-15Melbourne University Archivesshows Molloy & Co. 2 floors, divided into 2/3, 1/3 with shed at rear and windows to ROW.MMBWDetail Plan 724 c1895 similar building shown in 2 parts, 1/3, 2/3 frontage ratio -as existing roof forms, but with no rear wing.Historic Buildings Preservation CouncilLawrie Wilson & Associates, 1977. Historic Buildings Preservation Council Report on CBD Block No 6 Dec 1977Glenwill Buildings built c1912 cites rate book- one occupancy for addresses; recommended `B' not for H.B.R. But `desirable to retain'.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)Melbourne Punch (Vic. : 1855 - 1900)Thursday 27 December 1883E. J. & S. SPINK,Wholesale S Retail Tinsmiths,Jam, Feel & Fruit Preservers.Tin Works—147 LATROBE ST. West.Preserving Worka-37 LATROBE-ST. EAST.The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946) Saturday 16 February 1884THE CALCUTTA EXHIBITION.AUSTRALIAN AWARDS.CALCUTTA, FEB. 12.The following additional awards have been made in connexion with the International ExhibitionVICTORIA.….HIGHLY COMMENDED.United Shire of Metcalfe, Metcalfe-Polished column of granite from the Harcourtquarries. Penal Establishment, Pentridge-Boots and E. j. and S. Spink, 25 Market-street, Melbourne-Jams and jellies.Thomas Aitken, Victoria-parade, East Melbourne-Spirits in cask.M'Lean Bros, and Rigg, Melbourne-Chairsfor public halls or theatres, iron framed, &c.`The Argus' (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wednesday 22 June 1887(Illumination of) STREETS OF THE CITY.COLLINS-STREET.SOUTH SIDE...LATROBE-STREET WEST.G. Pickles and Son, carriage builders—Crown in bucket lamps.E. J. and S. Spink, tinsmiths—Windows all outlined with candles, and tiers of thesame.The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946) Saturday 18 August 1888AGRICULTURE AT THE EXHIBITION.PRODUCTS OF VICTORIA.Since our last report the Elmore Agricultural Society has placed a very creditable exhibition in position, and the effect tends to increase one's regret that so many societies have failed to be represented...Messrs. E. J. and S. Spink, of Melbourne, have sent a handsome glazed case containingnicely-labelled cans and bottles of preserved fruits, and a good collection of canned fruitsThe Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946) Saturday 9 February 1889CONFECTIONERY, JAMS, BISCUITS.AND FLOUR.Second Order of Merit-U. Block, Woodcawn, Dural, K.S.W.-Preserved fruits. R. Hickman, Newtown, Tasmania-Jams. Mary Ryley, Lepparton, N.Z.--Jams. E. and J. S. Spink, Latrobe-street, Melbourne-Jams, jellies, candied perl, and preserved fruits. Maoonochie Brothers, London and Lowestoft-Preserved fruits. Biddell Brothers, George street, Sydney...`The Argus': 22/10/1890: 5NEW INSOLVENTS.Edward John Spink and Samuel Spink 488 Latrobe street, Melbourne, trading as E.J. and S. Spink wholesale tinsmiths and fruit preservers. Cause of insolvency- Insufficient capital, having to sell goods at an insufficient profit owing to competition, liabilities, ₤33 283 10s 11id , assets, £20 913 13s 6d. deficiency £12374/17s 6d ... Value tit present of real property £14 500, personal property held us security, £1 894 19s 6d , ...Secured creditors -William Allison Blair, Flinders lane, £24,039 0s. 4d. ; W. and J. Blair,Flinders lane, £4,941 14s. 9d.; and Robert Dickens, Market street, £376 6s. 6d.…..DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALLSpink1893Howard St5 Gordon, AngusCompton pl-Aust Jam & Fruit Prsvg Co-Spink, E. J., mgrManning Bros, clothing manufactory.La Trobe StN side, Spencer- King1942480-484 Evans, Thos., Pty Ltd, tent makers488-494 Meyers, C. N., Pty Ltd, paper merchts500-504 Lee, J. Coppell, Pty Ltd, brassfounders510-516 Dodds, J. W., Pty Ltd, engineers510-516 Vale Stokers Pty Ltd, automatic stoker mnfrs510-516 Craftsman Press Pty Ltd, 'printersIndependent Church (branch)Spencer st1930476-484 Evans, Thos., Pty Ltd, tent makers488-494 Meyers, C. N., paper merchant500-504 Lee, J. Coppell & Co, iron & brass founders506-8 Vacant510-516 Firdaw Engnrg Supply Co Pty Ltd, engnrs' furnishers510-16 Craftsman Press Pty Ltd, printersIndependent Church (brands)Spencer st1925478 Rodgers, Harold H.480-484 Evans, Thos., PtyLtd, tent makers488-494 Molloy & Co, hide & skin stores488-494 Davidson, A., & Co, wool brkrs500-504 Lee, J. Coppell, & Co, iron & brs fdrs506-508 Aust Mtl Equipment Co Pty Ltd, gen engnrs510-512 Burgin, Phillip514-16 Magnesium Products Pty Ltd. diem mnfrsLatrobe Mission Hall526 Angelopuins NicholasMarriekville Margarinestore roomVacantSpencer st1915484 Evans. Thos.. P/L tent makrs488-494 Molloy & Co, hide & skin merchs500-502 Hooper, John, & Son, brass fndrs—1904478 Rodgers, Harold H.480-484 Evans, Thos., Pty Ltd, tent makers488-494 Molloy & Co, hide & skin stores488-494 Davidson, A., & Co, wool brkrs500-504 Lee, J. Coppell, & Co, iron & brs fdrs506-508 Aust Mtl Equipment Co Pty Ltd, gen engnrs510-512 Burgin, Phillip514-16 Magnesium Products Pty Ltd. diem mnfrsLatrobe Mission Hall526 Angelopuins NicholasMarriekville Margarinestore roomVacantSpencer st1893486 Evans T. hide merch494 Vic Tnsmth &Preservers' Co - Snare, Jas mngr500 Hooper & Sons, brassfndr.Municipal rate books [RB]City of Melbourne Valuers Books(Emmerton)1930, 446 Meyers, C N P/L 488-494 B W/H 2 fls 66x165 ₤500(Evans -stone W/H 3flrs, `old' etc 486-484)1915, 1432Sass & Cockram, T / Joseph W Ellis, 490/494 10/₤2775 noted, B Store 66x165 ₤130 x-out ₤160 (general increase)(Evans)1914, 1426Sass & Cockram, T / Joseph W Ellis, 490/494 10/₤2775 noted, B Store 66x165 ₤130(Evans 486)1913, 1431Sass & Cockram, T / Joseph W Ellis, 490/494 10/₤2775 noted, B Store 66x165 ₤130(Evans 486)1910, 1431(Emmerton land)Sass & Cockram, T / Watson's Trust x-out to Joseph W Ellis of 210 Flinders Lne, 490/494 , B Store 66x165 ₤130(Evans 486 ₤80 )1905, 1496(Emmerton land)/ Watson's Trust, 490/494 , B Store 66x165 ₤130(Evans 486 ₤80 )1902, 1507(Emmerton)Geo Synnott & Company x-out/ Watson Trust, 490-494 Brick Store 66x165 ₤130Thomas Evans Ltd owner-occupier 486 Brick Store 27x165 ₤80(Palmer)1900, 1528(Emmerton)Haworth x-out/ Watson Trust, 490-494 Brick Store 66x165 ₤130Thomas Evans Ltd owner-occupier 486 Brick Store 27x165 ₤80(Adams?)1891, 1550-Edward J Spink, owner-occupier498 BH 4r 27x65 ₤26 ,494 B Store 33x165 ₤300 ,490 B Store 33x165 ₤100 (value matches 1/3-2/3 layout as shown on plan by Mahlstedt)(Evans at 486)1888, 1626(Gibson Trust)E&J Spink /EJS B store 66x65 ₤3001627 E&J Spink /EJS B & Iron store 21x165 ₤100(Evans)(No Watson as owner)1883, 1896(JB Watson)E Spink owner-occupier b store 21x165 ₤60 x-out to ₤100(Harveys Trust B store 27-x165)1882, 1893(Watson 157, 149 BHs)Edward Spinks occupier, Watson owner- B store 21x165 ₤50 `New Workshop ' written in(Harveys Trust B store 27-x165)..
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Research and reports
Record number:
1248642
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105468 | 1 JPEG : 220 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |