Original post 29 February 2020
Some #LostMelbourne – in 1901 the ornamental lake in the #TreasuryGardens was redesigned by #WilliamGuilfoyle as a #JapaneseGarden, with a thatched roof ‘tea house’ and a bamboo bridge (neither of which look particularly Japanese). Overgrown by the 1940s it was all swept away (except the lake) in 1948 for a never built amphitheater, then in 1963 was redone as a memorial to JFK (which now seems an odd decision). Not a very exciting design, with regular bluestone walls and crazy paving, so I’m not fussed it’s been revamped again, by #RushWright as memorial garden for the #EmergencyServices (sadly rather timely) – I Havnt seen it myself actually, photos snatched from @chrismbr, but looks nice, I do like misting sprays.
29 September 2013
At the top corner of the Treasury Gardens is this memorial to William John Clarke, Australia’ s only baronet. Basically he was a very rich pastoralist and donated to many good causes so when he died in 1897 the good people of Victoria decided on this, carved by Bertram Mackennal who did all the good stuff then, unveiled in 1902. The languid youth apparently represents education, since he donated in that direction. The woman with the very Edwardian hair represents Victoria. It’s located here since it was on his way from Collins Street to his gigantic mansion Cliveden in East Melbourne.
Storey of Melbourne 