The Kew War Memorial was planned and constructed at the apex of Cotham Road and High Street, Kew. It was built to commemorate those soldiers from Kew who served in the First World War. The Memorial was designed by the architect Harry Tompkins. It was unveiled by the Governor of Victoria in 1925.An early photograph of this iconic Memorial that locates it in its context. Small black and white photographic positive showing the Kew War Memorial in 1927, two years after its opening. The shops, known then as 'The Block' can be seen behind the Memorial.Annotated verso "Kew Memorial"kew war memorial, war memorials -- kew -- victoria -- australia, architects - harold tompkins, cotham road, high street -- kew (vic.), wwi

Henry (Harry) William Tompkins was a renowned Melbourne architect, former City of Kew councillor and sometime Mayor of the municipality. He was president of the Melbourne Institute of Architects in 1914-15. In partnership with his brother, Frank Beauchamp Tompkins, he designed the Myer Stores in Bourke and Lonsdale Streets in 1933. Locally he was the architect of the Kew War Memorial (opened 1925). At the time that the gravure plate was made, the couple lived in 'Fenwick', a house on the corner of Stawell Street and Fenwick Street, Kew, which has since been demolished.Copper (on steel?) gravure printing plate made for Mr & Mrs Harold Tompkins, 'Fenwick', Fenwick Street, Kew. Engraved in reverse script. It is assumed that the acronym PPC may stand for 'Please Present Card'. "Mr & Mrs H.W. Tompkins, Fenwick, Fenwick Street, Studley Park / PPC 1st Friday"harry tompkins, gravure printing plates, business cards