20 February 2024
This nice domed pavilion in the Alexandra Gardens was built in 1913 as a memorial to Lady Janet Clarke, who died in 1909. The design by Mr H Black won a competition in 1912, and it was intended as a bandstand and a rest spot for the public. A rather Edwardian Baroque design, with concave curved corners, and restrained stylised decoration. It’s very spacious but is now a bit lost amongst tees and next to a part of Linlithgow Ave that’s rather busy with traffic. Lady Clarke was the 2nd wife of Sir William Clarke, and she ‘led society for 30 years’ hosting balls luncheons and garden parties at Cliveden and Rupertswood, and was active for many charities. So she was all about doing good works in a time when there was no such thing as income tax or welfare payments.
Storey of Melbourne 