The original entry to the #MelbourneStockExchange, a great #GothicRevival concoction by #WilliamPittArchitect, lost in 1923 when the entrance was moved to the side, where the details were sort of reconstructed in 1989-92, by @lovellchen, after removing the lifts. Now it’s proposed to put lifts back, inside a taller foyer, designed by @kerstin_thompson_architects; Im so contrary, i can’t help but think why destroy all that effort ? Which relates to the building ? Do we value the 1990s reconstruction less than the 1920s repro ? Is there another way ? Maybe keep the recreation as a wall feature/series of arches along the left side, with interpretation (currently free standing panels ? OR take out the last bay of the 1923 #GothicBank extension and reconstruct the corridor accurately in its original location (but level access). Radical, but more satisfying I think. I’d also like to know more about the current reconstruction, why is the dado not like the plaster original ? Why do the capitals have the cartouches ? And who made them ? They’re great ! Though the originals were even more elaborate. And would it have all been white ? Probably not.

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