Historical information

Kew War Memorial is a fine example of a classical style war memorial design. Built in granite and marble as a circular temple supported on ionic columns, its design takes advantage of the centrally-located site and allows a clear view of all faces of the memorial. It honours 917 local residents who served in World War One. Kew Municipal Council appointed a sub-committee in June 1919 to consider a suitable war memorial to commemorate soldiers from the district. In August 1920 the land in front of the Post Office was transferred to the Council for the purpose.

A competition for the design of the Memorial offered prizes of offered were £50, £15 and £10. The estimated cost was not to be more than £3500 F. Bruce Kemp won first prize, but Council later rejected the design constructing the Memorial to the original design of former Kew Council Mayor and notable Melbourne architect Harry W. Tompkins.

The War Memorial was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Lord Stradbroke on 30 August 1925 in front of 5,000 people.

Physical description

Digital images of the Kew War Memorial and the former Kew Post Office at Kew Junction at the intersection of High Street and Cotham Road.