This mosaic features the former English, Scottish & Australian Bank (now ANZ ‘Gothic Bank’) at 382-392 Collins Street (north-east corner of Collins and Queen Streets). This edifice is considered to be the finest secular Gothic Revival building in Australia. It was erected as the head office of the ES&A Bank in 1883-87. The top two floors were the residence of George Verdon, general manager of the bank, and an enlightened patron, who commissioned noted architect William Wardell, and together they created this masterpiece.
The flat stone exterior is punctuated by delicately elaborated openings, those of the first floor porches in Venetian Gothic tracery. Inside, the banking chamber is a tour-de-force of rich Gothic imagery and 19th century technology – the columns, ribbing and sculptural capitals are all made of iron. Verdon’s residence above remains substantially intact (also lavishly ornamented), and was occupied by the women only Lyceum Club in the 1920s. The bank expanded in 1922 to occupy the adjacent buildings on both streets, and the banking chamber was seamlessly extended into the former Stock Exchange.
This post is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme.
and also part of the Seasons meme.
What wonderful architectural patterns in this building.
ReplyDeleteFab building!! the lighting is very interesting...Wintery trees there too. #Allseasons
ReplyDeleteFabulous interior!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building and lovely interior! Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Monday mosaic is HERE
Much♡love
A fantastic building indeed! In my eyes its nearly too good for a bank. I could see there a gallery, or a museum. But this is only my opinion. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnother round of MosaicMonday in June... and I'm looking forward to your contribution again. This week there are many pictures that tell of your surroundings, of nature, of your everyday life. Pictures that also tell a bit of history.
Thank you for your participation. Have fun, best wishes from Heidrun