Published Resources Details
Thesis
- Title
- The Public Works Department of Victoria - 1851-1900 : an architectural history
- Type of Work
- UnderGrad thesis
- Imprint
- Department of Architecture and Building, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 1975, 2 volumes: Vol.1 - text, Vol.2 - appendices pp
- Url
- http://hdl.handle.net/11343/279542
- Abstract
This thesis aims to present an overall picture of the architectural development of public buildings in Victoria. Both large public buildings and the smaller structures (Court Houses, Post Offices, etc. ) are discussed. As well, the internal structure of the Public Works Department (the staff and organisation) is studied and the designers of individual buildings identified.
In the period from separation (1851) to 'Black Wednesday' (1878), the Department's most prominent designer was John James Clark. His works have to date been somewhat obscure and have not been extensively studied. The overall framework formed by this research clarifies Clark's contribution to the architecture of Colonial Victoria. A better understanding is also gained of the Department's significant contribution to the 'Australian Architecture' manifestos popular in the 1890's and evinced by the work of A. J. Macdonald.