November 2025
Rather cute little building I’d never seen before just popped up on Facebook- the Fine Arts Society (update I’m told this wasn’t a society but a private art gallery run by William Gill and his son) started in 1917, and in 1920 built this Adam /Regency style place in Exhibition Street near Little Collins; the 3rd pic shows it next to Centenary House, which is still there on the corner.
The Society only lasted until 1944 (when Gill Snr died), then the building was used as a women’s hostel, presumably lasting until the mid 60s when an office block was built there, now very altered. Can’t find architect, and info comes from other peoples fb posts.
Update : thanks to @h.edquist it’s clearly a virtual copy of the 1775 Boodle Club in London, and possibly designed by Rodney Alsop.
Storey of Melbourne 