Sepia image mounted on board: image shows inside of Conservatory building. Ferns on both sides of walkway, hanging baskets from roof.bendigo, parks and gardens, conservatory building, conservatory building, pall mall, gardens

colour postcard: Conservatory building, Conservatory Gardens, Bendigo.Nu-Color-Vuebendigo, buildings, conservatory, conservatory, gardens, bendigo

Sepia image mounted on board: image shows glass and metal building, walls of building consist of glass and metal panels. Building is surrounded by low level garden edged in pottery tiles. Conservatory building, Conservatory Gardens, Pall Mall, Bendigo.bendigo, buildings, conservatory, bendigo, pall mall, conservatory gardens, conservatory

7 page document on the building and various relocations of the Conservatory building first erected in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens in 1880 and used as a Palm House. Other locations: Melbourne Zoo 1940 Werribee Zoo 1970 CoGb 2001 - gifted for White Hills Botanic ardens Included in the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master plan as a long term action for reconstruction.bendigo, buildings, conservatory bendigo botanic gardens

Colour postcard, ( 2 copies ) image shows conservatory building, Bendigo, gardens in front.Nu-Color-Vuebendigo, parks and gardens, conservatory building, bendigo, conservatory gardens, bendigo

Bendigo 1950s. Bendigo Conservatory Gardens 6/3/1957. Conservatory building in photo and 2 statues.bendigo, parks and gardens, bendigo conservatory, . bendigo conservatory gardens 6/3/1957. conservatory building in photo 2 statues.

Photograph. The Bendigo Conservatory building in the gardens off Pall Mall. with palm trees and statues also in the garden.photograph, building, bendigo conservatory

Rob Upson collection small black and white photo Conservatory Bendigo. Conservatory building is shown in the background with a path, garden beds, a seat and statue. There are trees in the background.photo, garden

Postcard, color. Image shows Conservatory building and gardens. Statue on RH side of image. Garden beds with flowers outside Conservatory. On back :'Conservatory and Gardens, Pall Mall'Nu Color Vuebendigo, buildings, conservatory, bendigo, conservatory, pall mall, gardens

Postcard, black and white. Image shows statue in middleground, conservatory building on LH, four palms behind. On bottom ' Conservatory Gardens, Bendigo' On back ' Post card, correspondence, address'bendigo, hospital, conservatory gardens, bendigo

Sepia photograph of Conservatory Building and Gardens with statues, Pall Mall Bendigo. Written on back in pencil 'Conservatory Pall Mall Bendigo'. Inscriptions: on front, below image printed 'Conservatory, Bendigo'. History of object : James Lerk, 2000 'Conservatory gardens, Pall Mall. Venus in the foreground has now been moved to the northern end of the Conservatory building. The cast iron frame of the Conservatory was cast at Brown's Foundry. The building was opened in 1898. Photo c.1910' Photograph Bendigo Advertiser 11.1.2001.buildings, conservatory

Small black and white potograph of Conservatory with a woman in Conservatroy Gardens Bendigo.photograph, building, conservatory, bendigo-buildings-conservatroy

Small black and white photograph showing plants inside Conservatory in Conservatory Gardens Bendigo.photograph, building, conservatory, bendigo-gardens-conservatory

Small black and white photograph showing interior of Conservatory in Conservatory Gardens Bendigo with plants.photograph, building, conservatory, bendigo-gardens-conservatory

Coloured postcard with grey border. Spray of gold wattle left side, Southern Cross stars bottom RH side. Image shows Conservatory building in gardens, Bendigo. Top right in image: horse drawn vehicle on Bridge Street, Black Swan on corner Receipt number 355/16Valentine & Sons Melbournebendigo, business, carwardine soap and candle

Black and white image (faded to almost sepia colour) mounted on back cover of photo album. Image shows Conservatory building on LH side, Bridge Street looking North West on RH side of image. Conservatory gardens are laid out alongside fence lines, and Conservatory building perimeter. Small palm trees inside fence line alongside Bridge Street, and Bull Street. On kerbside of Bridge Street is a line of 13 horse drawn hansom cabs. On opposite side buildings: Fire Brigade Hotel, W.H. Oakley Undertakers, Dimond Bros. Photo Enlargers, Black Swan Hotel. Gardens are fenced in iron fencing, underneath is placed a (temporary?) small trellis fence. Approx 1880’s?bendigo, streetscape, conservatory gardens, bridge st., bendigo, conservatory gardens, bull street, bridge street, black swan hotel, fire brigade hotel, w.h. oakley undertakers, dimond bros. photo enlargers, hansom cabs

Slide. Bendigo Buildings & Scenery. Conservatory.slide, bendigo, bendigo buildings & scenery., bendigo buildings & scenery.

Photograph - sepia. Photograph panorama from Fire Tower, Bendigo.. In the distance shops that I can read 'Mobiloils', 'Cockings', 'Cocks Motor Garage', back view of the Conservatory building and gardens. The Rose Series P.3231. It is written on back but unable to read much, its from Monica. Trees etc along the bottom front are part the rosalind park.Rose Seriesplace, aerial view of bendigo, fire tower., bendigo. panorama from fire tower.

Sepia postcard, brown rectangular frame. Image in oval shape. On bottom of card 'Conservatory Gardens Bendigo' Image shows garden scene with Conservatory building on RH side of image, In background, Bendigo Law Courts, centre, and Shamrock Hotel on LH side of image. 'Yankee Doodle: sign evident on side of Shamrock building. Receipt number 355/16bendigo, business, carwardine soap and candle

Slide. Bendigo Buildings & Scenery. Conservatory and gardens.slide, bendigo, bendigo buildings & scenery., bendigo buildings & scenery.

Hand coloured postcard: image shows Conservatory Gardens Bendigo, Law Court buildings in background. Hotel Shamrock in far background LH side, with 'Yankee Doodle' and 'Hotel Shamrock' printed in bold white. Conservatory building on RH side in gardens Possibly late 1890's ?. On rear of card: Postcard, inland 1/2d stamp, foreign 1d. (printed in Britain).bendigo, parks and gardens, conservatory gardens

Black and white photograph on grey board of view (from Law Courts?) towards Howard Place, Bendigo. Conservatory Building in foreground and row of horse drawn cab (equivalent to present day taxis). Two story buildings with Hotel, Grocers, Undertakers, Photographers and Black Swan Hotel. Inscriptions: on back - Conservatory Gardens and Howard Place, Bendigo', '30', 'Gardens, 1204, FSP', '1165 (a)', 'date about 1900 ----', 'Royal Historical Society Victoria, Bendigo Branch' in a circular stamp.buildings, conservatory

black and white photograph: view of conservatory in gardens, Bendigo. Building has windows on all sides, appear to be covered in light coloured blinds on the inside of building. Written on bottom ' The Conservatory Gardens, Bendigo'place, bendigo, conservatory gardens

Photograph - sepia. Photograph of view from School of Mines, Bendigo, Vic. The Rose Series P.3226. Hand written on back addressed to same person on photo catalogue 1446, again from Monica. The Conservatory to the right front. Court house very left edge. Building off centre left is the police station. 11 palm trees follow the fence line around the conservatory. Large building top left background. The trees centre and top right are parkland.Rose Series P.3226buildings, government, school of mines, bendigo - school of mines - view of.

Five sepia postcards of Bendigo - St. Paul's Church, Bendigo; Queen's Reserve, Bendigo; St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and School, Bendigo; The Orphanage, Bendigo; and Conservatory Gardens, Bendigo. 'C & L Series' and 'Semco Series', Bendigo. Early 1900's. Unused, and no writing on the reverse of the postcards. May have been connected with the Waterworth family. St. Paul's Church: St Paul's Cathedral, Bendigo was built in stages. The nave was built in 1868, the tower in 1872-73 and the transepts and sanctuary in 1926-27. Robert Love was the architect, although the final stage was supervised by architects Gawler and Drummond. Cathedral status was transferred from the original cathedral All Saints to St Paul's in 1981. The Gothic style cathedral is constructed of red brick with stone dressings. It has a simple cruciform plan comprising a six bay nave, transepts and sanctuary. A tall tower centrally located at the west end dominates the exterior. The peal of eight bells was cast by Meares and Co of London and installed in 1873. The interior features elaborately cusped roof principals; an organ by Alfred Fuller built in 1883 with a console and pipes added later from St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney; and notable stained glass by Ferguson, Urie and Lyon. St Paul's Rectory was built in 1885 to a design by the architect W C Vahland. The Parish Office and Hall was built as a Sunday School in 1898 to a design by F W Lehmann. Queen's Reserve: Now known as part of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Rosalind Park, Pall Mall. In 1851, the gold rush transformed the area and eventually the mullock heaps became the most prominent public park in Bendigo. Rosalind Park was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 2000 for its historic, archaeological, aesthetic, scientific (botanical) and architectural significance to the state of Victoria. The statue of Queen Victoria dates to 1903. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church: Opened in 1859 as part of the Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew's. Union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches in 1977 saw this church join the Uniting Church. Located in Myers Street, Bendigo. The Orphanage: The Convent of the Good Shepherd, Bendigo was established in 1905. It was established at the request of the Bishop to cater for children in the diocese of Bendigo (although it housed children from other areas as well). It was also known as St Aidan’s Orphanage, and was the only Good Shepherd Convent in Australia to care for boys. The section named St Aidan’s accommodated girls aged up to around 16 years, as well as boys aged up to around 11. Maryfields housed girls and women aged from around 15 years. The Convent ceased to operate as a residential facility for children in 1981. A number of women with disabilities remained at the Convent until it closed in 1984. Conservatory Gardens: Now known as part of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Rosalind Park, Pall Mall. In 1851, the gold rush transformed the area and eventually the mullock heaps became the most prominent public park in Bendigo. Rosalind Park was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 2000 for its historic, archaeological, aesthetic, scientific (botanical) and architectural significance to the state of Victoria. The Conservatory Gardens feature an ornate 19th century Conservatory building, erected in 1897 - this was the last building of its type in a public park in Victoria. bendigo, gardens, buildings, chinese, church

Subsequently the area was not fully developed in this manner following flooding in 1863. Some remnants remain.Plan on paper with cloth backing to enable folding. Inscription, "Designed by Alfred Lynch. Landscape Gardener, Prahran. Printed by De Guchy & Leigh." An inset plan shows position of Experimental Gardens related to the City of Melbourne and Bay. Plan shows layout and plantings of the designated area - fruit, vegetables: the conservatory, nursery, exhibition buildings. This plan was owned by E.E. Pescott. Inscription on cover, "Burnley. E.E.P.." "Ed. E. Pescott." Subsequently the area was not developed in this manner. See inscription on copy made for Centenary Exhibition B92.633. Other copies given to College by N. Lothian (graduated 1934). Jim Sanders, a friend of his, gave them to Dr. G. Moore in 1991. A larger copy, inscribed on reverse, '1861', 'Early proposals for Horticultural Gardens for Horticultural Society of Victoria (now Royal). The lithograph was included as an insert in the Farmers Journal and Gardeners Chronicle 21 June, 1862. It is only in one of the copies held by the State Library of Victoria. 1 large and 1 small photographs of plan. Several photocopies of the plan.Inscription, "Designed by Alfred Lynch. Landscape Gardener, Prahran. Printed by De Gruchy & Leigh." / Inscription on cover, "Burnley. E.E.P.." "Ed. E. Pescott."alfred lynch, experimental gardens, nursery, e.e. pescott, horticultural socoety of victoria, buildings

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass. From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 128 of Photograph Album with four photographs (two portrait and two landscape) of Labassa.Handwritten: "Labassa" 4 Manor Grove [top right] / Neg 232 8 Oct 1966 [under bottom right photo] / 128 [bottom right]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, victorian, cast iron work, john koch, richard billing, architects, electrification, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 129 of Photograph Album with three landscape photographs of Labassa. One of the photographs is of Labassa's drive and gates.Handwritten: 4 JUNE 1910 / SALE JUNE 28 1910 "LA BASSA' / "AUSTRALASIAN" FORMERLY "ONTARIO"/ RES OF JOHN B WATSON / 15 ACRES 3 ROADS [under bottom left photo] / 4 JUNE 1910 [under bottom right photo] / 129 [bottom left]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, intricate lacework, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, gates, cast iron work, richard billing, architects, john koch, electrification, victorian style, drives, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT? [From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Former Labassa Conservatory - H2005 Victorian Heritage Register http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/result_detail/12504 (25/01/2021)] The former Labassa Conservatory is believed to have been built as part of the extensive reworking of the Labassa estate in c1890 for the new owner Alexander Robertson, proprietor of the Cobb and Co line. Robertson commissioned the architect JAB Koch to remodel the house, and Koch may have been responsible for the conservatory as well. Alternatively, the conservatory may have been imported. The gates installed at Labassa in 1890 were manufactured by the MacFarlane foundry of Glasgow, Scotland, a firm known to have manufactured conservatories. Around 1917 the glass house from 'Labassa', Caulfield was offered for sale to Malvern Council for its own gardens but the offer was declined. Following subdivision of the Labassa estate in the 1920s the conservatory was converted into a residence. The structure has a simple rectangular plan, with a brick base and superstructure of cast iron columns and roof trusses. The hipped roof is surmounted by an elaborately decorated gable structure. Most of the original glass has been replaced by metal sheeting. The decoration comprises pressed metal fascias including an egg and dart style cornice moulding, mullion mouldings and gable end panels with a rising sun motif. Cast iron ridgework and finials add to the lively roof form. Internally the floor appears to have been raised as part of the conversion work to a residence, and stained timber panelling introduced to provide room spaces. Boilers probably heated the conservatory in the colder months, but these do not survive.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Former Labassa Conservatory - H2005 http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/result_detail/12504 (25/01/2021) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The former Labassa Conservatory is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The former Labassa Conservatory is historically significant for its associations with the Labassa estate. Subdivision of the estate separated a number of outbuildings from the mansion. The former conservatory is significant as part of the large scale improvements carried out to the estate in the 1890s. The nineteenth century was the great age of conservatory designs, enabled by technological developments in heating, glazing and iron. Whilst conservatories were common in botanical gardens and universities, where they were primarily used for cultivating, studying, and experimenting with plants, they had also become an accessory of the wealthy on private estates. The former Labassa conservatory is architecturally significant as a rare example of a building type. Many Victorian mansion houses had attached conservatories, but detached conservatories were much less common. The only other detached example associated with a residence known to survive on its original site in Victoria is an earlier example at Warrock homestead, near Casterton. Conservatories attached to nineteenth century mansions are far more numerous. The Labassa example is very ornate, and its decoration draws on the versatility of pressed metal and cast iron. This highlights the dual purpose of the conservatory, as both a functional structure and a picturesque building on the Labassa estate. This building is unusual as an example converted to residential use. Page 130 of Photograph Album with one portrait photograph of Labassa's conservatory.Handwritten: "Labassa" conservatory 21 Manor Grove [top right] /130 [bottom right]bracketed eaves, caulfield north, labassa, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, alexander william robertson, ontario, john a. b. koch, john boyd watson, mouldings, 1920's, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, architects, john koch, greenhouses, gardens, plants, land subdivisions, gates, macfarlane foundry, brick, cast iron work, hipped roofs, gables, 1890's

Hand written document listing prominent buildings and places in Bendigo. Eg. Abbot & Co, Conservatory, Stillwells, Specimen Cottage.bendigo, history, buildings/streetscapes