4 December 2024
This former Freemason’s Hall, now the Melbourne Camera Club in Ferrars Street South Melbourne is a very fine example of Renaissance Revival, with a rusticated ground level front, and Corinthian pilasters on the first floor, where the hall was. Also helps that it’s never been painted or pretty much changed at all. It was built in 1876 for the Yarra Lodge, designed by locals Adamson & McKean, but perhaps they spent too much, because they sold it in 1881 due to financial difficulties. But after a few other uses, they bought it back in 1910 😮, then moved on again 15 years later. After various uses in 1979 the Camera Club bought it and restored it to boot, b&w pics are from then, from their website. The club itself is also quite historic, starting in 1891, my goodness, and still going despite everyone having a camera in their pocket now. Don’t know what the ghost sign is about. Love the long necked kangaroo and emu above the side entrance to the stairs, amazing never broke off. Nice stair, pic from Heritage Victoria. I couldnt find any photos earlier than the 70s.
Storey of Melbourne 