September 2025 Chanel’s new home in Russell Street, cnr Flinders Lane. Originally built as a branch of the Royal Bank of Victoria in 1923 in a Neoclassical style. Designed by Tompkins & Tompkins, who did a lot of stuff in the #MelbCBD incl the similar Herald Building round the corner also in the 20s; the … Continue reading From bank to fashion →

September 2025 This big sideboard at the NGV dates from 1903, a far cry from the elaborately carved Edwardian furniture filling the homes of Melb at the time. That’s because it comes from Vienna, and it’s by one of the most avant guard designers of the Sezession period, Adolf Loos, most famous for his quote … Continue reading Adolf Loos at the NGV →

23 September 2025 The 8 Hours Monument sits on a bit of land on the corner of Russell and Victoria Streets, and perhaps should be better known / prominent than it is. It commemorates, of all things, the 8 hour day; but average working days back in the early 19thC were far longer than that, … Continue reading 8 Hours Monument →

19 September 2025 I love these crazy ornate lamps that flank the main steps of the State Library; three little sphinxes with scrolls for bodies, and tendrils up the post. They were installed in 1891, to enable the gallery to be open at night, though I’m not sure that actually happened. They were designed and … Continue reading State Library steps →

18 September 2025 I was surprised to see that the church hall at St George’s CofE in Glenferrie Rd Malvern has a rather striking tower front, and given the date of 1891 it’s a bit avant garde, all red brick and simple details, looking almost 1920s. Originally it had a spire, making it even more … Continue reading Sturdy Gothic →

17 September 2025 Domain Park flats - such a landmark, such a thin profile ! Love the way the lift cores stick up behind too. But yes it’s pretty massive from in front, and bloody windy on Monday. On Domain Road opposite the Botanic Gardens, it was designed by Robin Boyd, largely completed in 1962, … Continue reading Domain Park flats →

15 September 2025 I’ve known about this rather extraordinary house in Avoca Street South Yarra for a long time, but only actually had a look today - so much cast iron ! So many unusual features all packed in: it’s three storeys, addresses the corner with an oriel, the verandah has a side curve (all … Continue reading Fab terrace house in Avoca Street →

14 September 2025 One of Melbourne’s ‘ugliest’ buildings and now revealed to be badly built to boot. South Yarra Square on the corner of Punt & Commercial Roads was completed about 1996, and first found fame for being built 1.29m higher than permitted, which then Minister Robert Maclellan resolved with a fine instead of demolition. … Continue reading Ugly and badly built →

13 September 2025 Would you believe this was a postcard ? Perhaps it was made for train buffs, since it foregrounds the infamous and long lived Jolimont rail yards, with loads of Tait trains (aka red rattlers), built around WWI and in fact rather beautiful inside. I remember as a teen coming in from East … Continue reading Beautiful Melbourne c1975 →

11 September 2025 Just found this pic of my house ! That is, the house that was transformed into my flats in Dalgety Street St Kilda. So exciting! Well for me and my neighbours anyway. Never thought I’d find a photo, but @historical_stkilda had it up, noting the address had been wrong. So it was … Continue reading My place →