19th Century #BenevolentInsitutions often had spacious grounds, even on #StKildaRoad, where the Institute for Deaf Children has a huge park in front with a sweeping drive. They also sometimes adopted a dour Gothic style, but in this case the architects #CrouchAndWilson lightened up the #bluestone base with delightful #polychromebrickwork detailing, and a riot of spires and spikes. The central wing was built in 1866, which come to think of it is early for polychrome, though when #JosephReedArchitect used it on St Michaels in the city the next year, it was even more elaborate, all brick, and Romanesque.
