Historical information
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.'
Significance
High quality photographic record of 'The Heart of Midlothian' section of the frieze with annotations by Robyn Riddett. Photographs were taken by Trevor Mein.
Physical description
Panels 11 to 17 of scenes from Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Heart of Midlothian'. Positioned below the architrave, each panel or lunette is separated by tromp loeil columns. The Heart of Midlothian section of the frieze is located on the east wall, continuing clockwise from above the door. [The panels on the north, west and east walls depict scenes from Scott's 'Rob Roy'.]
Inscriptions & markings
[The captions on each image were created by Robyn Riddett using the text of each novel as a reference]