'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. The Grand Staircase of Tara Hall, circa 1957. The central hallway and stairs of Tara Hall, (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed this Studley Park Road mansion, of which the hallway was a significant feature, for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. Tara Hall, one of the great houses in Kew was demolished in 1959-60. Possibly Marc Strizic, photographer (1928-2012). Typed inscription on reverse: "The Grand Staircase of Tara Hall (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne).byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

The chapter on Tara Hall formed the introduction to 'Lovely Old Homes of Kew' by Dorothy Rogers.This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers 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 in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.A photographic reproduction of a plate published by H. de C. Kellett in 1891. The original photographer was J.F.C. Farquaher. The photograph shows Tara Hall (the Byram) in Studley Park Road. The house was demolished in 1960.Tara Hall. Built 1888 (see story). Taken from old faded photo. Not printed. Tara Hall now demolished - taken from old faded photo of Clifton House. [sic]byram, goathland, tara hall, dorothy rogers, studley park road (kew)

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. Porte-cochere, Tara Hall, circa 1957. The main entrance to Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). The entrance, through a porte-cochère, was located on the side of the house facing east. During construction, commentators described the house as being in the ‘Elizabethan style’. The architectural style of the exterior, with its innovatory use of red brick and Italian tiles was more influenced by American models. Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed Byram for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. Typed inscription on reverse: "Goathland, also known as Tara Hall (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne)."goathland -- kew (vic), byram -- kew (vic), tara hall - kew (vic), studley park road

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. The Staircase at Tara Hall, circa 1957. An angled view of the main hallway and staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). To the right of the staircase in this Studley Park Road mansion, a large inglenook fireplace was located, which was surrounded by stucco decoration. The latter was a characteristic of E. G. Kilburn’s late style.Typed inscription on reverse: "The Staircase at Tara Hall. Above the ornate fireplace is the legend 'Come When You Mind, A Welcome Find'. (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne)." byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.Tara Hall, Studley Park Road, circa 1957. The front of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). This triple-storey mansion with its elaborate gabled, steeply-pitched roofs and verandah was set back from Studley Park Road and concealed by a high brick fence. E. G. Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed Byram for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. Typed inscription on reverse: "Tara Hall at the time it was a home for nurses from the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne)."byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. The Drawing Room, Tara Hall, circa 1957. A reception room in Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). The room is presumed to be the original drawing room. In the La Trobe collection, there is a drawing by Charlie Hammond, depicting a group of painters who are gilding the elaborate stucco ceiling of this room. The drawing is dated 16 September 1889. The elaborate stucco decoration is characteristic of E. G. Kilburn’s late style. Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed Byram for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. Typed inscription on reverse: "A sitting room, one of many handsomely decorated rooms at Tara Hall.( Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne)."byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed 'Byram' (later renamed 'Goathland', 'Lowa' and 'Tara Hall') for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. The mansion, one of the most significant in Kew, was demolished in 1960.This is an original small photograph of this historic Kew mansion with provenance by descent from the first owners of the house.An angled view of the main hallway and staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). To the right of the staircase in this Studley Park Road mansion, was a large inglenook fireplace surrounded by stucco decoration. The latter was a characteristic of the architect, Edward G. Kilburn’s late style.Inscription reverse: "Interior Tara Hall, demolished 1960. Donated by Grandson [Peter Ramsden] of original owner George Ramsden. Home was also called Goathlands [sic] during its ownership by Sir Malcolm McEacharn. Other owners - Mrs F Treadway, Count O'Loughlin, Dr Edward Ryan, Mrs Evans, Royal Womens' Hosp. KH-324"byram, tara hall, lowan, goathland, edward g. kilburn (architect), george ramsden

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.Central Hall, Tara Hall, circa 1957. The central hallway and grand staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). This photograph provides the clearest evidence of the scale and building materials selected by Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. These include the murals on the second floor, the use of skylights, and the vaulted wooden panelling. byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

During construction, commentators described the house as being in the ‘Elizabethan style’. The architectural style of the exterior, with its innovatory use of red brick and Italian tiles was more influenced by American models. Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed Byram for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888.This is an original small photograph of this historic Kew mansion with provenance by descent from the first owners of the house.The main entrance to Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). The entrance, through a porte-cochère, was located on the east side of the house. Inscription reverse: KH-323 Tara Hall once stood on Studley Pk Road on vast landscaped gardens. Donated by Mr Peter Ramsden, 49 Kamilaroy Road, West Pymble 2073 N.S.W. Dec.1979."byram, tara hall, lowan, goathland, edward g. kilburn (architect), george ramsden

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.A detailed photograph of the main gable on the front of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). The façade included detailed terra cotta mouldings. The Kew Historical Society was gifted a remnant of this façade (ie. ‘East or West’) in 2013. The use of applied terra cotta decoration by the architect Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, is typical of his style of the period. Mark Strizic (1928-2012), photographer. byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

Tom Bentley (1912-1993) was born in Lancashire (UK). From circa 1951, he was the Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for Kew City Council. Until his retirement in the 1970s, he was based at the Kew Council Depot, located in the former MTB Horse Tram Depot on the corner of Disraeli and High Streets, Kew. Accompanying the set of twelve photographs is a 12-page illustrated biography of the Bentley and Plumridge families, separately kept in the 'Bentley' subject file.Duplicate black and white positive print photograph of public works in Studley Park Road, Kew, carried out under the supervision of Tom Bentley, Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for the City of Kew. The location at which the photograph was taken is believed, by the donor, to be in the vicinity of Tara Hall (dem. 1960). The palm tree on the back of the Council vehicle was believed to have been taken by Council from Tara Hall and relocated to the Alexandra Gardens.city of kew, public works, studley park road, tom bentley, tara hall

Tom Bentley (1912-1993) was born in Lancashire (UK). From circa 1951, he was the Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for Kew City Council. Until his retirement in the 1970s, he was based at the Kew Council Depot, located in the former MTB Horse Tram Depot on the corner of Disraeli and High Streets, Kew. Accompanying the set of twelve photographs is a 12-page illustrated biography of the Bentley and Plumridge families, separately kept in the 'Bentley' subject file.Duplicate black and white positive print photograph of public works in Studley Park Road, Kew, carried out under the supervision of Tom Bentley, Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for the City of Kew. The location at which the photograph was taken is believed, by the donor, to be in the vicinity of Tara Hall (dem. 1960). The palm tree on the back of the Council vehicle was believed to have been taken by Council from Tara Hall and relocated to the Alexandra Gardens.city of kew, public works, studley park road, tom bentley, tara hall

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers 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 in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical SocietyA view of Tara Hall from Studley Park Road, originally photographed by J.F.C. Farquhar in 1891 for the photographic album 'Kew: Where We Live', published by Henry Kellett. This image of the mansion has been used in a number of publications. The house was demolished in 1960.tara hall, goathland, byram, ramsden, dorothy rogers

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.The Vestibule, Goathland', 1901-11. The vestibule of Tara Hall (originally Byram, and later Goathland and Lowan). The vestibule was entered through a porte-cochère on the east side of the house. Visitors entered the mansion through the vestibule before progressing to the main hallway. The main rooms of the house were accessed through the latter on the ground and first floor. The photograph gives some idea of the decorative style of furnishings during this era. The Vestibule - "Goathland"byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

The architect, Edward Kilburn designed Byram in the Arts & Crafts style for the industrialist George Ramsden. Construction began in 1888 and was reputed to have lasted three years. The mansion had frontages to Studley Park Road and Stevenson Street, including gardens laid out with great taste, including pleasure grounds, tennis lawn, fruit and flower garden, and paddock.The size of many of the trees in the garden indicate that many survived from the garden of Clifton Villa, the previous single-storeyed house built on the site by the Stevenson brothers. Byram had views to Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. The house was demolished in 1960, despite opposition from the National Trust (Victoria), and its gardens subdivided into residential allotments.An early photograph of Goathland (also known as Byram, Lowan and Tara Hall). The photo shows the front of the building during the period of Sir Malcolm McEacharn’s occupation of the house (1901-11). Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, had originally designed the house for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. When Sir Malcolm McEacharn purchased Byram, he was to rename it as Goathland. This has led to some confusion, as Goathland was also the name used for McEacharn’s other home in St. Kilda. The period of McEacharn’s ownership represented the high point of the mansion’s history. 'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author."'Goathland', The Residence of Sir Malcolm D McEacharn"byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park road -- kew (vic.), melbourne mansions, e g kilburn - architect

A set of architectural drawings of additions to Goathland (originally Byram, and later Goathland and Lowan). The drawings, by the architect William Pitt represent additions to the size of Goathland. Pitt had previously worked with the original architect of the house, Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, who had designed Byram for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. 'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.Six black and white architectural drawings by the architect William Pitt for additions to the home of Sir Malcolm McEacharn in Studley Park Road. The original is in the collection of the State Library of Victoria."Sir Malcolm D. McEacharn, Kew"william pitt, malcolm mceacharn, architects -- melbourne (vic.) -- william pitt, architectural drawings, byram, tara hall, goathland

At the beginning of the 1890s, the Kew businessman and Town Councillor, Henry Kellett, commissioned J.F.C. Farquhar to photograph scenes of Kew. These scenes included panoramas as well as pastoral scenes. The resulting set of twelve photographs was assembled in an album, Kew Where We Live, from which customers could select images for purchase.The preamble to the album describes that the photographs used the ‘argentic bromide’ process, now more commonly known as the gelatine silver process. This form of dry plate photography allowed for the negatives to be kept for weeks before processing, hence its value in landscape photography. The resulting images were considered to be finely grained and everlasting. Evidence of the success of Henry Kellett’s venture can be seen today, in that some of the photographs are held in national collections.It is believed that the Kew Historical Society’s copy of the Kellett album is unique and that the photographs in the book were the first copies taken from the original plates. It is the first and most important series of images produced about Kew. The individual images have proved essential in identifying buildings and places of heritage value in the district.This is the earliest known photograph of the exterior of Byram (later Tara Hall). It shows the original red brick fence, its asymmetrical gate and gateposts, with a large terra cotta gargoyle surmounting the higher of the two. The architect, Edward Kilburn designed Byram in the Arts & Crafts style for the industrialist George Ramsden. Construction began in 1888 and was reputed to have lasted three years. The mansion had frontages to Studley Park Road and Stevenson Street, including gardens laid out with great taste, including pleasure grounds, tennis lawn, fruit and flower garden, and paddock. The size of many of the trees in the garden indicate that many survived from the garden of Clifton Villa, the previous single-storeyed house built on the site by the Stevenson brothers. Byram had views to Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. The house was demolished in 1960, despite opposition from the National Trust (Victoria), and its gardens subdivided into residential allotments.A View in Studley Park Roadkew illustrated, kew where we live, photographic books, henry kellett, byram, tara hall, goathlands

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.An unnamed subdivision in Studley Park including five lots for sale in Studley Park Road, Highfield Grove and Tara Avenue. Unidentified on the plan, but clearly existing, are the Henty family mansion of Field Place and Tara Hall in Studley Park Road. The first attempted subdivision of Tara Hall was advertised in 1927 in which Lots 5, 6 and 7 in this plan were also advertised. Unusually, Lot 2 in Studley Park Road was created from the northern part of the Henty mansion, rather than Tara Hall. In the subdivision, lots were advertised at varying prices, with the highest price for land being Lot 2 in Studley Park Road. The plan notes that only one villa is to be allowed on each allotment.subdivision plans - kew, field place subdivision -- studley park – kew (vic.), highfield grove – kew (vic.), tara avenue – kew (vic.)

This two storey Spanish mission house was built on land originally part of the Tara Hall Estate.Two storey house at 2 Tara Avenue, sold in 2018 and to be demolished in 2020.kew (vic) - houses - demolished, 1 tara avenue - kew (vic)

Studley Park Road, like most streets in Kew, was originally a dirt road. Street works during the Great Depression included bituminising major roads in the district. This photograph of Council works originated in the City of Kew Engineers Department as a record of works undertaken. It was given to the collection by a Mrs Fisher in 1998.Well provenanced photograph of Council-funded public works in Kew during the Great Depression. Original sepia photographic positive of Studley Park Road, Kew while resurfacing of the street was taking place. The Kew Junction is just visible in the distance. Boys sitting on a drum at right. Behind them is the brick fence and front entrance to Tara Hall.Typed reverse: "B4 / Kew C.C. / Studley Park Road showing drag spread surfacing with premixed material, unrolled material on the right, March 1934"roadworks -- kew (vic.), street works -- kew (vic.), public works kew (vic.), studley park road -- kew (vic.), city of kew -- engineers department, city of kew -- public works -- great depression -- 1930s

Tom Bentley (1912-1993) was born in Lancashire (UK). From circa 1951, he was the Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for Kew City Council. Until his retirement in the 1970s, he was based at the Kew Council Depot, located in the former MTB Horse Tram Depot on the corner of Disraeli and High Streets, Kew. Accompanying the set of twelve photographs is a 12-page illustrated biography of the Bentley and Plumridge families, separately kept in the 'Bentley' subject file.Duplicate black and white positive print photograph of road works in Studley Park Road, Kew, carried out under the supervision of Tom Bentley, Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for the City of Kew. The location at which the photograph was taken is believed, by the donor, to be in the vicinity of Tara Hall (dem. 1960).city of kew, public works, road-making, studley park road, tom bentley

Tom Bentley (1912-1993) was born in Lancashire (UK). From circa 1951, he was the Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for Kew City Council. Until his retirement in the 1970s, he was based at the Kew Council Depot, located in the former MTB Horse Tram Depot on the corner of Disraeli and High Streets, Kew. Accompanying the set of twelve photographs is a 12-page illustrated biography of the Bentley and Plumridge families, separately kept in the 'Bentley' subject file.Duplicate black and white positive print photograph of road works in Studley Park Road, Kew, carried out under the supervision of Tom Bentley, Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for the City of Kew. The location at which the photograph was taken is believed, by the donor, to be in the vicinity of Tara Hall (dem. 1960). The photograph shows two Council vehicles.city of kew, public works, studley park road, tom bentley, road works

Tom Bentley (1912-1993) was born in Lancashire (UK). From circa 1951, he was the Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for Kew City Council. Until his retirement in the 1970s, he was based at the Kew Council Depot, located in the former MTB Horse Tram Depot on the corner of Disraeli and High Streets, Kew. Accompanying the set of twelve photographs is a 12-page illustrated biography of the Bentley and Plumridge families, separately kept in the 'Bentley' subject file.Duplicate black and white positive print photograph of road works in Studley Park Road, Kew, carried out under the supervision of Tom Bentley, Overseer/Superintendent of Outdoor Works for the City of Kew. The location at which the photograph was taken is believed, by the donor, to be in the vicinity of Tara Hall (dem. 1960). The photograph shows a Council vehicles shifting soil.city of kew, public works, studley park road, tom bentley, road works

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria). This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey).The streets and built structures in MMBW Detail Plan 1294 & 1295 were surveyed in 1903 and released to contractors in 1904. This plan is one of two in the collection where the lithographers amalgamated two separate plans. Both plans include sections of Studley Park. Dominating the south and west corners of Kew Junction are the Clifton and Kew Hotels. The Kew Hotel, owned by Patrick O’Shaughnessy was one of the oldest in Kew. MMBW plans were amended over time to take account of new subdivisions such as that which created Merrion Place. Of the four mansions shown in Studley Park Road, three remain – ‘Field Place’, the home of Frances Henty, ‘Leaghur’ and ‘Darley’. ‘Byram’ (later ‘Goathland’, then ‘Tara Hall’) was an architectural marvel. Designed in 1888 by E.G. Kilburn for the paper magnate George Ramsden, it was demolished in 1960. While an earlier sale of the southern section of Byram had created Tara Avenue in 1927, the demolition of the house in 1960 enabled the extension of Tara Avenue northward.melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, mmbw 1294, mmbw 1295, cartography