The internal decorative scheme of Villa Alba is significant 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. The frieze in the Dining Room of Villa Alba was painted by Hugh Paterson in 1883-1884, and depicts scenes from Walter Scott's novels 'Rob Roy' and 'The Heart of Midlothian.'

High quality photographic record of the Rob Roy section of the frieze with annotations by Robyn Riddett. Photographs were taken by Trevor Mein.

Panels 1 to 10 of scenes from Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Rob Roy'. Positioned below the architrave, each panel or lunette is separated by tromp loeil columns. The Rob Roy section of the frieze begins on the north wall, continues above the fireplace on the west wall, and concludes above the bay window on the south wall. [The panels on the east wall depict scenes from Scott's 'The Heart of Midlothian.]

[The captions on each image were created by Robyn Riddett using the text of each novel as a reference]

villa alba museum, domestic interiors -- 1880s, hugh paterson, the paterson brothers, walter scott, rob roy