Spencer, A. H., bookseller, later Hill of Content, 86 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Spencer, A. H., bookseller, later Hill of Content, 86 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 101223
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 2024:__________________________________________________DATE: 1928;ASSOCIATIONS: A. H. Spencer. ; Abraham Smith Investment Pty. Ltd; A. H. Spencer Pty. Ltd.; Angus & Robertson;DESIGNER: Peck & Kemter;BUILDER: Frencham, F Pty Ltd.Period: Inter-War___________________________.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of Significance.HistoryBuilt for Abraham Smith Investment Pty. Ltd., in 1928, it was the design of Peck & Kemter and tailored for the tenant, A. H. Spencer. Spencer (later A. H. Spencer Pty. Ltd.) was a long term occupier, as a new and second hand book seller. He had called his shop the `Hill of Content' by the 1940s, using the name for his prized autobiography which was published in 1959 as a summary of Australian 20th century literary and publishing achievement until World War Two. Spencer's own business had commenced in 1922.He sold this shop and the business to Angus & Robertson in 1951 and they in turn to the Collins Book Depot Pty. Ltd. who continued the name as the business house, as an archival programme for Australian literature and as the title of a publishing arm with similar interests (1965-).DescriptionThree-level cemented facade, with a dentilated cornice and stepped parapet over, all suggesting the Greek Revival. Pilasters frame two groups of steel windows over the other, divided by panels with fluted friezes. The windows have Egyptian-reeded reveals (tied sheaves of cane). The cantilevered verandah is shared with 82-84, but possesses more of the original detail, with fluted friezes and roundels attached.The original shop and warehouse had a large island showcase (like its neighbour, 82) and two recessed entry points via further showcases behind. It too had a light well which appeared to penetrate the upper floors and reach ground level. Otherwise it was the usual brick carcass with timber floors and a cantilever canopy holding Spencer's name on its fascia.External IntegrityAir units have been added to the upper level, shop front has been replaced, albeit in a sympathetic fashion, but unlike Nos. 82-84, the canopy soffit has survived and much of its detailing.StreetscapeContributes directly to the corner bank (matching cornice line) and echoes the smaller earlier classical revival shops to the east.SignificanceArchitecturally a typical neo-Grec commercial design which retains much of its upper level and canopy detailing butmore significant for its (continuing) association with book selling and publishing in an area haunted by theMelbourne bohemians of the between wars period.___________________________CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONSIndex1928Feb 6 10331 ₤2850 erection of a new buildingApril 24 10521 ₤252 new shopfrontFeb 1929 new verandah ...1980 new shopfront.DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL192586 Spencer, A. H., bookseller1930SPENCER, A. H.86 New & secondhand bookseller & art dealer
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Form/Genre:
Record types:
Research and reports
Record number:
1190617
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 101223 | 1 PDF : 699 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |