Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated. The Museum, at 44 Walmer Street, Kew, is now a cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration.This is one of a number of historically and aesthetically significant photos of the interiors and exterior of Villa Alba when it was still owned by the Mount Royal Hospital, showing twentieth century accretions and deterioration of the historic fabric of the building. This was a benchmark survey against which future conservation and restoration activities can be measured.In December 1987, Mockridge Stahle & Mitchell Pty Ltd Architects prepared ‘Villa Alba Survey: A Report on the fabric for Mount Royal Hospital’ of which this photograph is a part. Photo of one chimney on the south west corner of the house. The distinctive rendering of the chimney cornets with the welsh slates used on the roof. This chimney services the fireplaces in the dining room and the second and third bedrooms. villa alba museum, conservation photographs, victorian architecture, slate roofs, chimneys

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of the drawing room ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation on reverse: "Villa Alba ceilings. [Stamp - The Royal Women's Hospital, 212 Cardigan Street, Carlton. With Compliments of Public Relations Office]"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of the entrance hall ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation verso: "Villa Alba, Walmer Street (Kew)"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

"Villa Alba is of significance for the outstanding late Victorian painted decoration throughout its interior. The consistently high standard of design in the decoration, and high, and at times, superb quality of its execution, the variety of illustrative techniques, the variety of illusionist effects and the hierarchy of treatments between the rooms of the house all contribute to the significance. The decorative scheme is also of significance as a fine example of the work of the leading Melbourne decorators, the Paterson Brothers. It is one of their first interiors to depart totally from the use of pre-prepared wallpapers of repetitive designs and it is a rare and comprehensive extant example of their domestic work. The decorative schemes in the ground floor hall, the dining room, the drawing, the vestibule, the stair hall, the upper hall, bedroom 1 and the boudoir are also individually of significance as outstanding examples of Victorian decoration.." (Victorian Heritage Database, 2023)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers (1905-1973), donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian from the 1960s to the 1970s. Original print monochrome photograph of a section of a ceiling in 'Villa Alba', Walmer Street (Kew)Annotation verso: "Villa Alba, Walmer Street (Kew)"dorothy rogers, villa alba museum, paterson bros, interior decoration -- 1880s

'Ordsall', renamed 'Southesk' in the 20th century was built for John Halfey in or before 1865. The house was rebuilt in the 1870s to designs by architect Michael Hennessy. In 1882 the house was redecorated by the firm of Cullis Hill & Co., who hired the artists 'Mr Vandenbrandt' and 'Signor Rizzi" to paint the ceilings of the ballroom and the drawingroom. The artistic triumph was described in detail in The Argus, 30 October, 1882. In 1947, Southesk was purchased by the Kew City Council. For 23 years it was used as a meeting place for community groups. The house was then demolished in 1970 to make way for a new Town Hall.Rare, and possible unique fragment of a plaster cornice from one of the most architecturally distinctive houses in Kew, demolished 1970.Section of plaster cornice removed from Southesk on the corner of Charles Street and Cotham Road, Kew, when it was demolished in 1970 by the City of Kew. The cornice has a narrow layer of previously coloured plaster which is now overlaid with a grey distemper. The foundation of the cornice is moulded cement. Remnant flowers moulded in the central band of the cornice include a rose and a sunflower. The plaster decoration was probably located in the entrance hall, dining room or ballroom, all of which were created in the 1870s by Michael Hennessy and decorated by the firm of art decorators, Cullis Hill & Co in 1882.Nilordsall, south esk, cullis hill, plasterwork, cornices, victorian interiors

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration and furnishings of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the entrance to the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the coffered ceiling of the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The State Drawing Room is part of the 'State Apartments' which also includes the State Hall, State Ballroom, State Dining Room and the Billiard Room.The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the ceiling of the Drawing Room."South Yarra Government House Ceiling Drawing Room J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, john t collins, state drawing room (melbourne)

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The State Ballroom is part of the 'State Apartments' which also includes the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Billiard Room.The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the throne in the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Throne J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created. 35mm colour transparency (slide) taken from a photograph of a section of the drawing room ceiling of South Esk (Ordsall) [demolished 1970]. The photo was developed in 1980. There is a high degree of colour distortion in the transparency.victorian architecture, south esk -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), ordsall, interior decoration - nineteenth century

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created. 35mm colour transparency (slide) taken from a photograph of a section of the ballroom ceiling of South Esk (Ordsall) [demolished 1970]. The photo was developed in 1980. There is a high degree of colour distortion in the transparency.victorian architecture, south esk -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), ordsall, interior decoration - nineteenth century

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created. 35mm colour transparency (slide) taken from a photograph of a section of the ballroom ceiling of South Esk (Ordsall) [demolished 1970]. The photo was developed in 1980. There is a high degree of colour distortion in the transparency.victorian architecture, south esk -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), ordsall, interior decoration - nineteenth century