Historical information

William Beebe junior (1857-1920) was born in Bull Street Sandhurst. His father owned a stone and monument business in Mitchell Street and William commenced work with his father as a small boy. At age 19 William Snr took his into partnership and he continued to study architectural drawing at the School of Mines during this time. Beebe and Son designed and built several buildings during the 1880's to complement their main business which was stonemasonry. In 1892 Beebe decided to concentrate on his profession as an architect and was responsible for a large number of buildings and homes around Bendigo including the A.N.A Hall (now demolished), Fire Station on View Street (1898) and the Former Royal Bank at View Point (1908). Beebe employed a variation of the Arts and Crafts style popular in England and America from the 1870s and manifested in various forms including the Queen Anne revival style.
William Beebe served was elected to the Bendigo City Council in 1913, becoming Mayor twice. He died of a heart attack while in office in 1920.

Physical description

Three quarter standing portrait of Cr William Beebe in mayoral robes. Framed and mounted photograph with separate hand-inscribed title panel. Ornamental frame with a gold window mount. Photograph has been hand coloured.

Inscriptions & markings

Cr W Beebe / Mayor of Bendigo / 1915 - 16 -- 1916 - 17