Burton, J. H., & Sons, Coach Factory, 52 or 46-50 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Burton, J. H., & Sons, Coach Factory, 52 or 46-50 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105494
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.
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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:__________________________________________________Period: VictorianDATE: 1868? 1887;ASSOCIATIONS: Burton, Joseph H;DESIGNER: Unknown;BUILDERS: Burton, J H; Webster, WalterNotable features: 1. Site occupied as coach building factory since 1862, relates to stables (36-40). 2. Early facade treatment? - possibly later.HERITAGE REVIEW OF NORTHEAST LA TROBE STREET, 2011John Briggs Architect Pty LtdStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?In 1887 the Architect John W. Roberts called for tenders for the construction of an additions level to the 1868 brick and iron coach factory owned and operated by Joseph H. Burton. The building was erected as the first of what latter become a matched pair of Burton’s buildings and enterprises that continued until the 1920s. The coach factory and matching livery stables are Victorian in the classical free style with an applied trabeated system of pilasters and with a consoled entablature at first floor. At the subject site the curved pediment survives as do the arched openings and pilasters at ground floor although the original ground floor joinery has been replaced. The subject property and the three accompanying properties that together present as a group of heritage buildings are located outside the Capital City Zone although the locality is within the expanded Hoddle Grid. The two Burton buildings with the former Turn Verein Hall of 1871 and the altered 1915 building survive as a significant heritage streetscape.How is it Significant?The former Burton Coach Factory contributes to the heritage significance of the streetscape historically (Criterion A), as a representative freestyle classical Victorian commercial building (Criterion D), and aesthetically (Criterion E) to the City of Melbourne as architecturally demonstrative of the period and pattern of its development. (The criterion used are amended from the published Heritage Victoria Criteria for applicability to heritage significance at the local level of the City of Melbourne)Why is it significant?Historical Significance Criterion AThe historical importance at the local level of the former Burton Coach Factory is addressed under Criterion A: The historical importance, association with, or relationship to, the City of Melbourne’s history of the place or object. The Building is demonstrative of the period and mixed-use early development of this north-eastern end of La Trobe Street. The subject building contributes to the surviving group of Victorian buildings that with the Edwardian neighbour maintain a heritage presence that has been acknowledged by the longstanding level 2 grading of the streetscape. On a comparative basis the building is unlikely to be considered a milestone, or outstanding, in the architectural development of Melbourne although it is important in establishing the early phase of the development of the locale area. In the streetscape context with the neighbouring Victorian Hall and Edwardian building, and particularly given its design matching that of the former stables at 36-40 La Trobe Street, constructed three years latter by the same architect and owner, the former workshop demonstrates the phase and form of the historical development of the locality and makes an important contribution to establishing the coherence and presence of the heritage streetscape.Representative Significance Criterion DThe subject building is a representative of the classical freestyle employed during the boom of the 1880s. This aspect of the significance of the property is addressed under Criterion D: The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as a part of a class or type of places or objects. The subject building on a comparative basis is not an outstanding building or a milestone in the architectural development of Melbourne, it is however one that within the context of its heritage streetscape makes an important contribution.Aesthetic Significance Criterion EWhere the heritage value addressed under Criterion D deals with the instructive nature of the appearance and style of the building at issue here is the matter of visual appreciation. Criterion E: The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features. The subject double storey classical freestyle Victorian façade presents a pleasing composition of visual interest and exuberance. The building exhibits the good design and aesthetic appeal and makes an important contribution to the appreciation of its pair and to the coherence of the streetscape..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites source 77, p48 1868.Daryl Jackson Evan Walker Architects Pty. Ltd 1976for Historic Buildings Preservation Council ; Melbourne: the area bounded by Victoria, Spring, Lonsdale and Swanston Sts.(source 77 )Building Reference G9Address 46-50 Latrobe StreetDate Built 1868….Original UseCoach Building PremisesPresent UseVacantIntactnessFacade intact apart from ground floor door, windows. Extensive additions at rear. Interior has been extensively altered •Construction Materials2 storey building. Brick walls. Timber floor and roof framing.Historical Basis NoneOther ReferencesStreetscape No.5RecommendationNot to be included on Historic Buildings Register.1 HistoricalThe site was listed as vacant until occupied by Joseph Burton in 1862 (1). Joseph Harris Burton came to Australia in 1851. After an initial try on the goldfields he established himself at Queens Street in 185J as a coachbuilder. In 1855 his wife and family came from England and joined him in Melbourne. His firm became known as J.H. Burton and Sons. As well as building carriages the firm extended into the field of livery vehicles. His two sons carried on the business after his death in 1891.2 ArchitecturalUntil 1868 described as the site of an "iron shop". There was a significant increase in rates that year ... which indicates the present building was built in that year, although the description did not change until 1870 when it was described as "brick and iron coach factory" (4)ıIn October 1976 a permit was granted for extensive internal alterations. Smith &Tracey Pty. Ltd. were the architects, M.P. Arbon & Co. the builders and the value of the work given as $95,000.(5)Footnotes(1) Sands and McDougall Directory, 1862..LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX:Record 76958Burton, J H. Coachbuilder - 61 Latrobe St Melbourne VIC Factories B=Burton, J H 1861 02 11 77, MCC registration no 77 [Burchett Index]. Fee 1.0.0 workshop Latrobe east - 61 - rear of premises76979Burton, - Melbourne VIC Factories Webster, Walter 1865 07 19 979, MCC registration no 979 [Burchett Index]. Fee 1.10.0 workshop, Latrobe - at back of showroom.VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-2171Listed as vacant until 1862 - coachbuilding shop.1866 map shows building on street frontage & separate building at rear.1905 - 1 & 2 storey buildings, Coachbuilders Workshop.HERITAGE REVIEW OF NORTHEAST LA TROBE STREET, 2011John Briggs Architect Pty Ltd(From F U T U R E M E L B O U R N E ( P L A N N I N G )C O M M I T T E E R E P O R TAgenda Item 5.6PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENTS C193 AND C194HERITAGE CONTROLS FOR 30-50 LA TROBE STREET,MELBOURNE - no references were found for the following research)Former Burton Coach Factory, 48 to 50 La Trobe Street, MelbourneHistorical associations with persons or events:Creation or major development date:Tenders were called for an additional storey to a coach factory in 1887. An iron workshop was recorded in 1860 to become a brick and iron coach factory in 1868.Architect: John W. RobertsBuilders: Not knownMajor owners or occupiers:Joseph H. Burton from 1862Joseph H. Burton and Sons from 1868J.H. and H. Burton 1897-1920Rocke, W. H. & Co. Pty Ltd. furniture manufactures 1921 - 1932Central Mission Girls Club 1933Turnbull Bros, paper merchants 1934 – ??Description and HistoryIn 1887 towards the height of Melbourne’s boom architect John W. Roberts, on behalf of Joseph H Burton and Sons, called tenders for an additional storey to a coach factory. The existing coach factory had existed from 1868 when it was first recorded as a brick and iron building prior to which since 1860 only an iron coach factory was recorded on the property.Given the description of the works in Argus it can be concluded that the ground floor with its three arches is likely to have existed from 1868 and that Roberts added the first floor and the rendered expression to the existing stables. Roberts had five years earlier undertaken extensions to the Burtons livery stables at no. 36-40 La Trobe Street and in 1890 accepted tenders for the replication of the subject façade for use as livery stables at the other Burton property.Crowning the subject façade is a raised and curved pediment over the central bay of the façade. The pediment is comprised of a pair of piers from which springs the curved cornice supported on regularly spaced consol brackets. On the outer side of the piers are a pair of scrolled and ornamented brackets. At the first floor level the Victorian Classical freestyle detailing is matched by the detail found at no. 36-40 La Trobe Street. The three bays are delineated by trabeation with simple pilasters supporting an entablature with a regular array of console brackets supporting the cornice. Each bay has a pair of arched windows set within a flat arched inset to the wall plane that have keystones enlivened with head. Within the flat arch is a spandrel panel above the paired arched windows that have architraves to the aches springing from pilasters. The pilaster piers are set upon ground floor cornice. This is a slightly different arrangement than that found at the twin building at no. 38-40 La Trobe Street where the whole façade is understood to have been constructed in one, slightly later building campaign.At ground floor each of the three bays is a flat arched opening set in the wall behind and between the applied trabeated structural representation. The ground floor windows in the two eastern bays and the entry are not original joinery. The composition is exuberant and appealing.Historically the subject land was recorded as vacant until 1862 when the entry; Burton Jos. H., coach builders, was made in the rates record. In the ensuing years. Joseph H. Burton was the owner, becoming Burton and Sons in 1868. The subject property was occupied by Burton as a coach building factory until 1920. At the property now no. 36-40 La Trobe Street, the Burtons also owned and operated livery and bait stables offering stabling, feed and possibly care for the horses of travellers and visitors to Melbourne or its residents up until 1923. The section of La Trobe Street in which the subject property is situated was developed initially in the same period and the buildings surviving today appear to have been the first significant buildings constructed on the land. The abutting property at no. 42-44 remained without a building until 1915 and that now numbered 46 was listed as a timber yard and iron workshop in 1868 followed by occupancy by Frederick Goernemonn Coachbuilder through to 1915 when the pair of shops where built. With the 1915 building accommodating manufactures of baby carriages and Chinese furniture manufactures the area remained predominantly of light industry through until the mid 20th Century. The group of three Victorian buildings, supported by the late Edwardian altered pair of shops, present as a cohesive section of the La Trobe Street streetscape with a predominant heritage character..NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1887https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142444089THE EXHIBITS.The extensive area covered by machinery and implements ...A silver medal was awarded to Messrs. J. H. Burton and Sons for a pony carriage…1891CARRIAGESAmongst the carriage shown find not already described in The Argus is a very fine collection by Messrs J. H Burton and Sons, one of the oldest carriage building firms in Melbourne Prominent amongst the firm's exhibits is a very fine Victoria phaeton of light build and easy draught It is built on the angular lines, now favoured for such a vehicle by the best English carriage makers1892https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/199330892MASTER CARRIAGE BUILDERS CONVENTIONThe third annual convention of the Master Carriage Builders' Association of Victoria was held at the Freemasons' Hall yesterday after noon, Mr. W. G. Burton, president, occupying the chair. ...changes had occurred since the last meeting of the association— one of the oldest and most respected members, Mr. J. H. Burton, sen., having been removed by death1937The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 30 Oct 1937 Page 12 Mr. J. H. Burtonhttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11119723Mr. J. H. BurtonA keen sportsman and a member of a well-known coach building firm in Melbourne, Mr. Joseph Henry Burton died yesterday at his home in Drummond street, Carlton. He was aged 87 years. Born in England, Mr. Burton came to Australia when aged five years. His father founded the firm of Joseph Burton and Sons, coachbuilders. He was a brother of the late Alderman William Burton, of the City Council. Mr. Burton followed all sports. He was a member of the V.R.C., the V.A.T.C. the Moonee Valley Racing Club, and the Carl- ton football, cricket, and bowling clubs. Mrs. Burton died some years ago. The funeral to-day at the Melbourne General Cemetery will be private. The arrangements are being made by A. A. Sleight Pty. Ltd`The Age' 3 Feb 2015 sale 42-46, with 48-50.City of MelbourneJ Briggs report 2012.CONTEXT (WITH GJM HERITAGE) 2020, HODDLE GRID HERITAGE REVIEW35. 42-50 La Trobe Street / 10549542-44 La Trobe Street and 46-50 La Trobe Street both identified in a previous heritage review (Central Activities District Conservation Study, 1985, Central City Heritage Review, 1993)Date of construction:42-44 La Trobe Street built 191546-50 La Trobe Street built 1915Explanation for exclusion:Substantially altered.Recent development, 42-44 La Trobe Street has been demolished, 46-50 La Trobe Street only façade retained..Melbourne Heritage Actionhttps://melbourneheritageaction.wordpress.com/2016/05/28/council-ignores-own-experts-and-constituents-burtons-livery-to-be-demolished/`EXPERTS IGNOREDThe building was left unprotected when in 2011, Council decided to ignore the advice of THEIR OWN HERITAGE EXPERTS in allowing the demolition of its twin building at 40 La Trobe St for an apartment tower, and ignoring contemporaneous recommendations to protect the rest of the streetscape.This is despite the building having been recognised and graded “C” in Council’s 1984 Heritage Survey. That survey was SUPPOSED to be the basis for determining which buildings were protected by heritage overlays, but the process was incomplete, and a number of graded structures never had heritage overlays applied.The omission in this case was apparently due to this small section of La Trobe Street actually sitting outside the CCZ “Capital City” Zone of the Melbourne Planning Scheme, again seemingly because of administrative quirk rather than any meaningful planning intent.….'.URBAN.COM.AUhttps://www.urban.com.au/news/blue-skys-ambitious-student-accommodation-project-42-50-la-trobe-streetMark Baljak | Oct 14,2015`Brisbane-based asset manager Blue Sky is behind a proposed tower that would see near on 800 additional student beds added to the Melbourne sector. Lodged with DELWP only last week, the proposal calls for a 47 level bronze tower, replacing dual historic buildings onsite in the process.Both existing structures are not subject to heritage controls and are slated for demolition…'
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105494 | 1 JPEG : 571 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |