7 February 2024
Great bit of stylised Gothic at 340 Collins Street, just off Elizabeth, with Hardy Brothers Jeweller at ground level. One of Melbs many numerous tall narrow frontages, it was built in 1930, for well known developer and financier TM Burke, and was called Burke House (but on Collins – confusing !). Designed in what was described as ‘Commercial Gothic’ by Schreiber & Jorgensen, it’s very much just applied decoration, with more detailing at base and top, all originally in faience of ‘a rich brown colour relieved by panels of a lighter shade’ which might have made it much nicer, but now it’s all painted cream. It got 5 separate articles both before and after construction, but it’s a bit lost amongst larger buildings now. In 1933 Sydney jewellers Hardy Brothers built the little Deco store next door, and at some point took over Burke House as well, losing the Gothic style shop front in the process. It’s still got a separate entrance to the upper floors, where you’ll find a bridal shop, another jewellers, and a clinic that offers ‘facial sculpting’ 😮 Both buildings have a heritage overlay.
Storey of Melbourne 