CHANCERY LANE LAW BUILDINGS (5 building row), later part C C Roeszler and Son (429), 425-433 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
CHANCERY LANE LAW BUILDINGS (5 building row), later part C C Roeszler and Son (429), 425-433 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105933 105934 105935 105936
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 2022:__________________________________________________DATES: 1851 pre (parts?),1891-2;ASSOCIATIONS: Balcombe, Mrs 1891;DESIGNER: Hyndman & Bates 1891;BUILDER: Brown, R C - Chancery Lane 1891.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDY - as expanded.(Note this assessment relies on a historical background that allows for some pre 1850s structure left in the 1890s project)`HistoryDate: Pre 1851?Moses Benjamin is the first known owner of this speculative row, then five brick two storey houses, each of four rooms and a kitchen!. Long· term tenants through the 1850-60s included J M Smith, solicitor, Edward Sandwell, Feldham & Rosenthal and Frederick Baynes 2. The valuer's property description eventually acknowledged their change of use from residential to offices for the legal profession in 1862 3. Thomas Bibbs' map of c1855 shows this row as the 'Chancery Lane Law Buildings': each occupying half its block with a small service wing attached. The 1866 isometric of Melbourne also shows the row as a two-storey group of five 4.Both Moses and David Benjamin occupied number 429 in the 1870s, along with WF Burnett (425) and AIport 8 Co(427). Arthur Snowden was the new owner in the late 1880s, still leasing 429 to David Benjamin. The architects Gilbert & Tappin leased 431 5.The row greatly increased its value under Snowden's ownership during 1888.9, the average valuations rising from £90 to £2506. It is possible that they were refaced in this period. By the 18905 they had become shops, possibly undergoing further alterations. Dove's c1876 plans show five two-storey brick buildings on this site with Jenkins, Benjamin 8 Co., AIport & Co. and Cohen 8 Co. as occupiers of 431-425 respectively 7. Mahlstedt & Gee's 1888 plans are almost identical outline, materials and height 8. However, the MMBW Detail Plan (1895) shows much of the rear yards built over as they are today. The Edwardian era Mahlstedt's plans concur with this, indicating that the Queen Anne styled renovation which included the Bank Place elevation was carried out in the late 1880s.Sir Benjamin Benjamin, prominent merchant, politician and first Lord Mayor, was the oldest son of Moses Benjamin; Moses having arrived m Melbourne, with his family, in 1843. Moses commenced the firm M Benjamin 8 Sons merchants and importers and at his death left an estate of around £200,000. Benjamin Benjamin's unsuccessful involvement in land peculation during the late 18805, may have influenced the ownership change of this row during that period.David Benjamin, brother of the Merchant, Solomon Benjamin, arrived from Launceston in the late 1830's, and, as he had done in Van Diemen’s Land, sought to establish a Synagogue at Port Phillip. David Benjamin and David Rosenthal were among a Committee who established a Synagogue at St. Kilda in 1871.With the demolition of old Temple Court, in the 1920's, this block represents perhaps earliest surviving legal offices situated in what was once called Chancery Lane, now Little Collins Street.DescriptionThis is a much-altered face brick and stuccoed row which at first belies its common origin, but recognition of the upper- level Queen Anne character pediments on 433 and 425, promotes acceptance of an overall design for the row. Between these two end bays, three plain parapeted and stuccoed facades contrive the tripartite window upper level group (except 429) as a protruding element, resting on a bracketed string mould, which again winks at the English Queen Anne revival. Below are a multitude of different shopfront designs from different periods. On the west, fronting the notable Bank Place precinct, another 19th Century facade has been created, adopting a shallow Y in plan and, in elevation, a central raised pediment.External IntegrityComprising many different periods, the dominant character evoked is that of a commercial English Queen Anne revival, presumably applied as a renovation in the late 19th Century. Shopfronts have been replaced, signs and air units added, the upper windows of 429 replaced unsympathetically, the bricks painted and, in part, stuccoed over and a floor added to 429 above the cornice line.StreetscapeFronts the valuable Bank Place precinct, contributing period details, finishes and scale. All of the buildings with frontages to Bank Place are listed as notable in the MPS and some are registered (3) under the Historic Buildings Act.SignificanceArchitecturally, given the perceivable character of the row as late 19th early 20th Century, little of the early use, origins and associated owners are expressed externally.Of local significance.Historically, with the demolition of old Temple Court, in the 19205, this block represents the oldest surviving legal offices in what was once Chancery Lane and is among the oldest building rows in the CAD.The Central Business District Study done in 1975-6 for the Historic Buildings Preservation Council stated that the row's retention was desirable.Recommended Enhancement(refer Building Identification Form)The general aim is to return the row to something of its former visual unity and historical integrity. This involves removing paint and new stucco from bricks, using an approved method; removing air units and signs and replace sympathetically; restore altered openings, ground and upper-level or provide sympathetic replacements. The building had no street verandah and any shelter needed should follow the typical skillion profile awning used on commercial buildings from the 18505 to the 19305 ( and today). '.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites source 80 REID, KEITH & JOHN R, 1976, MELBOURNE CBD STUDY AREA 7 (source 80), p118;__________________________________________________REID, KEITH & JOHN R, 1976, MELBOURNE CBD STUDY AREA 7 (source 80)SHOPS 423-433 Little Collins StreetThis group of shops consisting of four separate properties has been included in this assessment because of their Cityscape contribution to Environmental Precinct C. Age has not yet been conclusively established.Possibly pre 1851Six 2·storey shopsNew shop fronts, renovated parapets, ,three storey' .addition on one, and· aluminium facade on west end.Brick with timber· floors and corrugated iron roofs. The group is an important low scale visual introduction to the Bank Place Precinct.Desirable for retention..423-433 Little Collins StreetCHRONOLOGY:There has not been sufficient to make a continuous rate book investigation, so assumptions have been made on the following spot checks.1852 Properties listed as Nos. 56 - 66, all containing brick houses of four roans plus kitchen. Ratepayers are recorded as Ellen Green, Rupell & Thomas, Ann Taylor, Walker, John Smith and James Coles.Owner of Nos. 58-66, Moses BenjaminOwner of No. 56, Mrs. Green.1862 Owners remain, building now listed as Law Offices of five rooms and one of seven rooms. Occupiers include Wisewould (now Wisewould Duncan & Harper) , Thomas Parsons, Moule and Hines and Sandwell.1866-8 Owners and buildings consistent, but listed again as brick houses and offices. John Smith returns to occupancy and David Benjamin occupies No. 62, the present three storey building.1871 Owners and buildings consistent, but no occupiers listed in Nos. 58-66.1876-85 Owners and brick offices consistently recorded. Occupiers various with No. 58 only listed empty in 1878.1890-1900 Mrs. Green continues to own No. 56 (423) and Arthur Snowden owns remainder with various occupiers. Buildings now listed as having six rooms (1890), three rooms (1895) and two floors (1900).HISTORICAL ANALYSISConsistency of ownership is of interest, but no personalities of historical value have been identified. ..RECOMMENDATIONWhile the buildings appear to have little historical or architectural value in themselves, the group is significant to the Bank Place Precinct and their retention is therefore considered desirable.__________________________________________________LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX:9/ 10/ 1891 MCC registration no 5239 [Burchett Index]. Fee 16.0.0 hotel, warehouse & five shops -site Little Collins - Colonial Bank Hotel__________________________________________________VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-1707https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/9621First land sale 1837, Block 14, Allotment 7 part, purchased by C Ebdon. Row of terraces built pre-1851 for owner Moses Benjamin (Nos.425-433 Lt Collins St). Became known as Chancery Lane Law Buildings by mid-1850s owing to gradual use as professional offices. 1877 - two-storey terrace, yard and shed. 1888 - Mornane, Solicitor. 1905 - building now extended over yard.__________________________________________________Graeme Butler 1990 AAT Hearing 429 Little Collins Street, Melbournehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1FmYCaGIb5xCzUcWQHZC2DDx9070mKRMA/view?usp=sharing(Note this assessment relies on a hsitorical background that allows for some pre 1850s structure left in the 1890s project)See above..HISTORY VICTORIA WEB SITEhttps://www.historyvictoria.org.au/collections-lounge/c-g-roeszler-son/C.G. Roeszler & Son, Engravers and Rubber Stamp Makers, 264 Little Collins Street, north-side, between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, c. 1915Reproduced from Melbourne: Garden City of the South . . . Melbourne, George Robertson and Co., 1915 [RHSV Collection: BL002-0030]Charles George Roeszler Courtesy State Library of VictoriaCharles George Roeszler Courtesy State Library of VictoriaHistorical research draws upon many sources – primary and secondary – newspapers and their advertisements, street directories, maps and plans, web-pages, diaries and other personal reminiscences are just some. This article about a family business, C. G. Roeszler & Son (established in Melbourne in 1870) , has been greatly enriched by the contribution of 90 year old Verna Schiess (nee Roeszler), grand-daughter of the founder, whose sharp-mind and long memory has supplied added detail to this research.Charles George Roeszler (1846-1912), pictured in this card de visite held by the State Library of Victoria, had set up his engraving business in Fleet Street, London in 1869. Travelling to Australia he re-established the Roeszler business in Melbourne in 1870. He and his wife Rosa Agnes (nee Berwick) had two sons, Arthur Charles and Herbert. Herbert, Verna’s father, eventually took sole control of the company. Verna’s son, Gary Tregoning, the great-grandson of the founder, now runs the company. 90 year old Verna no longer takes an active role in the business. She commented “I remember the marvellous celebrations we had at our 100th anniversary, but it will be wonderful just to arrive at our 150th”.264 Little Collins Street264 Little Collins Street (in the reproduction above) is at least the fifth company address of C. G. Roeszler & Sons since its foundation in Melbourne. They first occupied these two-storey premises in 1900 sharing tenancy with four others. From 1901 to 1930 they were the sole occupiers of the building. The still extant lane visible at the side of the building is Masons Lane.Scrutiny of the three images surrounding the picture of the building’s exterior suggests that the Show Room and Engineering Department were on the ground floor with the Engraving Department on an upper floor. Two hoist doors were on the side of the building (in Masons Lane). A cathead is incorporated into the roof above these doors from which block and tackle would have been suspended to enable the hoisting of plant into the upper floors.Being common in industry up to the middle of the 20th century, a single source of power (gas, steam or electricity) would drive a system of ceiling-mounted pulleys from which leather belts would carry the drive down to power the various machines. Verna Schiess remembers “all those pulleys!” (In 1884 the company advertised a Steam Engraving Works at another location also operating in Little Collins Street.)ACTIVITIESWhilst engraving was a major company activity, rubber stamp manufacture was advertised as early as 1883 and continued as a mainstay. Roeszler’s brass door signs were a popular part of the commercial pavement scene. Regularly polished, these subtly advertised the offices of doctors, dentists, solicitors and other professionals. Die cutting also was an important activity. Roeszler’s produced dies for the renowned copperplate business card. These offered a special quality – a raised and artistic image. Dies were made for the die-stamping branch of the printing trade – an intaglio form of printing. Today’s photogravure printing uses the same principle for glossy magazines.Cutting, bending, scoring and brass plate polishing would have taken place in the Engineering Shop. Hand tools such as gravers and scribers would have been used in the Engraving Department. The pantograph was an important part of engraving, and so too was the etching process.Some interesting side activities took place. For 30 years up to 1900, the company made and marketed soap cutting and stamping machines. They were also involved in the special security treatment of postage stamps. In the early years, postage stamps could be used as legal tender, thereby making them more subject to theft and misappropriation, particularly within businesses. To establish ownership and eliminate losses, businesses had the face of their stamps perforated with an identifying symbol, letter or numeral whilst in sheet form. The need for this process ended with the arrival of the privately owned franking machine. The Perfin Club of New Zealand and Australia especially devoted to the study of ‘Perfins’ and is aware of the Roeszler company.The company has also established an artistic legacy of commemorative plaques and motifs all around the community. The 1928 Ringwood Memorial Clock Tower exhibits various examples of Roeszler’s fine craftsmanship. Others can be seen in places of worship like St Paul’s Cathedral.OTHER LOCATIONSThe next major move was to 429 Little Collins Street in 1931, with an ambitious purchasing of the building. It was here with both parents becoming deceased, 22 year old Verna Schiess aided by her 38 year old sister Sylvia Curnow had to run the company with the help of qualified managers and accountants. Verna also described being located in a “long sort for” single floored premise in 1972 at 103 Hawke Street, West Melbourne. It was in 1987 when Roeszlers expanded and took over their old rubber stamp rivals – Adams Rubber Stamp Co (established in 1902). The business continued to thrive there, until a later move to 530 City Road, South Melbourne, where Roeszler’s remain trading as Adams Rubber Stamp Co. & C. G. Roeszler Engraving.The rear lane at the 429 Little Collins Street, initially being an unkempt and unidentified works entrance is now ‘gentrified’ – the upper floors have become residential. The company’s name once proudly emblazoned in concrete relief on the upper facia is now sadly gone (but only recently obliterated). However, Melbourne City Council named the alley-way ‘Roeszler Lane’. (It had was un-named until late 1990s or early 2000s.)ANOTHER PORTRAITBesides the image of Charles George Roeszler reproduced above, other portraits exist – one by James Peter Quinn (1869-1951). The possible background to this is intriguing. In about 1880 the guardians of a Melbourne orphaned boy, having possibly recognised his artistic traits, secured for him an apprenticeship at a city engraving company. After attending part-time at the newly opened National Gallery of Victoria, School of Design, he went on to become a world renowned portrait painter. Verna Schiess hopes one day to confirm her belief that the engraver was C. G. Roeszler and Son. Why else would the family have in their possession a portrait of her grandfather by this famous Australian painter?REFERENCES and FURTHER READINGJames Peter Quinn : http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/quinn-james-peter-8143Techniques of the trade : http://www.baddeleybrothers.com/print-techniques/die-stamping; Perfins: http://perfins.com.au/Lanes and Alleys: http://www.emelbourne.net.au/index.htmlRingwood Memorial Clock Tower: http://directories.maroondah.vic.gov.au/WIP/MHOnlineWeb.nsf__________________________________________________NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1850https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226321688FRANCIS AND COHEN(Successors to William Easey)By order of the Directors of the Bank of Australia will sell by auction at their Mart,Collins-street, on Thursday, the 13th day of June next, at 12 o'clock precisely,The following valuable properties, being portion of Allotment No. 9 of Block 14, situate corner of Queen and Little Collins-streets, together with all the buildings erected…thereon, consisting of...The corner shop at present in the occupation of Mr. Hinds , Grocer, the adjoining shop lately occupied by Mr. Weldon, Lodging House Keeper, and the two Brick-built Cottages in Little Collins-street, lately occupied by Mr. Morgan and Mr. Love..DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1893425 CHANCERY LANE LAW BUILDINGS Vacant Boyle, Charles, plumber, gasfitter, etc. 427 Mills, Alexander, & Co, vapour stove ... Price, George J., engraver and printer 429 Vacant 431 Crossley, Miss, refreshment rooms Vacant1915425 CHANCERY LANE LAW BUILDINGS- 425 Crisp. Cameron & Hanby. Solicitors 425 Fennell, W. G., & Co. property agts & accnts 427 Edwards , William, btmkr Turnley. H. I3., commercial agent Price , Geo. J ., litho and copperplate printer 429 Jones, Harry. Cigar mercht 429 Foster , W. W. J., typist & typewriting simple 431 Halewood . Harold , bookseller SNOWDEN , NEAVE & DEMAINE 433 (Heave, F. J.; Fulton, R.; Gubbms, F. R.. LL.B.), Solicitors, 433 Little Collins-ht. Melt). Wiseman , Arthur R.. Solicitor (Bank Pl)
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Places:
Form/Genre:
Record types:
Research and reports
Record number:
1254424
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105933 105934 105935 105936 | 1 JPEG : 469 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |