Joseph Allison Undertakers, also Mary Ann Allison shop and residence, 143-145 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Butler, Graeme15/01/1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Joseph Allison Undertakers, also Mary Ann Allison shop and residence, 143-145 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
15/01/1985
Reference number:
BIF-NORTH 103437
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Access restrictions:
UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
GRAEME BUTLER 1983, CONSERVATION STUDY FOR THE CITY OF MELBOURNE OF NORTH AND WEST MELBOURNEGrading as at 1985 : CPeriod : Late Victorian (1896)Grantee : P A Sinclair 1852History- This shop and residence was owned by Mrs. Mary Ann Allison from its construction in 1896, until well after the turn of the century. The firm of Joseph Allison, Undertakers, was the only occupant during that time. Joseph Allison, whose name is retained by the present firm, came from a family with a long history in undertaking in both England and the colony. [Cyclopedia of Victoria Vol 2 p 229] His brother, Henry, conducted a long standing undertaking business first in Melbourne (1854) then in Victoria Street, West Melbourne by 1875 where they were the sole undertakers for the area (see 217 Victoria Street, West Melbourne).Joseph, it was claimed, embarked on his own business in 1886, although he is listed as an undertaker in Lygon Street, Carlton in 1875. Before moving to 145 Errol Street, he operated from a leased building in the area. The new premises were claimed to have the finest in fittings and staff and were designed for the absolute comfort of his mourners. On his death, his wife carried on the business at the same address.This may the first building owned and occupied by Joseph Allison whose undertaking firm became metropolitan wide.Description- A large, two-storey stuccoed brick shop and residence with a piered and balustraded parapet and central, arched entablature: orbs adorn the flanking piers. Cornice and string-moulds separate the segment and basket arched openings. Separate residential and business entrances were provided: shop front and entrances being divided by panelled pilasters.Integrity - An iron Corporation street verandah once was attached to the building, but otherwise it is near original, save for painting of the bricks.Streetscape - Major contributing element to the Errol Street commercial area.Significance- Architecturally, a strongly composed if incomplete façade, appearing unbalanced without the verandah but, given the corner position and appropriate scale and distribution of ornament, openings and void, and contributive to the streetscape.Historically, the first owner-occupied commercial premises of today's large undertaking firm, Joseph Allison Pty Ltd.: of regional importance.Recommendationsrestore verandah and repaint as typical or original:consider zoning provisions to maintain general commercial/residential use and form;and remove paint from bricks.References:(RB= Rate book; D= Melbourne or Victoria Directory)1 C. of V. (Cyclopedia of Victoria ) Vol. 2 p.2292 D. 18683 D. 18754 C. of V. Vol. 2 p.2295 D. 18756 125-7 Errol Street qv.7 C. of V. Vol. 2 p.229
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Places:
Form/Genre:
Record number:
1363180
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 103437 | 1 PDF ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |