Portrait of John Grainger, taken by Bartletto in 1901.

Photograph on gelatin silver printing out paper

One of John Grainger's earliest competition successes from Adelaide was his design of 1879 for the Swing Bridge over the Latrobe River at Longford, south of Sale in Victoria.

The competition and building of this bridge was John Grainger's first contact with Victoria. The bridge, which was opened in 1883, is classified by the National Trust, is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H1428) and has recently been restored.

Drawing showing elevation and swinging apparatus

Ink on paper

Reproduced with the permission of the Keeper of Public Records, Public Record Office Victoria, Australia (PROV 3686/P1 BCB795).

The Argus newspaper published a lengthy article on 18th March 1882 explaining how the 'proposed dimensions of the bridge' were too lavish and would add 'immensely' to costs.

Specifically, it felt the planned roadway width of 99 feet (chosen to match the lavish dimensions of Melbourne's main streets) was unnecessary because 'the most noted bridges in Paris, Rome and other great European capitals' were only 60 to 70 feet wide.

Ink on paper

Reproduced with the permission of the Keeper of Public Records, Public Record Office Victoria, Australia (PROV 3686/P1 BTB580).

Many of the bridge working drawings carry Grainger's signature.

The earliest drawings show decorated spandrels, as do the working drawings. Grainger essentially was the sole designer of the bridge.

Ink on paper

Reproduced with the permission of the Keeper of Public Records, Public Record Office Victoria, Australia (PROV 3686/P1 BTB609).

Early drawings detail the stone capitals and iron solemnic columns for the bridge.

Ink on paper

Reproduced with the permission of the Keeper of Public Records, Public Record Office Victoria, Australia (PROV 3686/P1 BTB595).

In 1880 Grainger married 22 year old Rosa (Rose) Aldridge, daughter of Adelaide publican George Aldridge. In the year of their marriage Grainger won the competition to design Princes Bridge over the Yarra River in Melbourne.

He and Rose moved to Melbourne anticipating that he would supervise the bridge’s construction. Actual building work did not start until 1885 and the bridge took another three years to be opened.

Heliotype

Of all the buildings and bridges designed by John Grainger, Melbourne’s Princes Bridge is the most iconic.

On completion, the bridge was viewed as a badge of achievement, a visible manifestation of the rewards which Melbourne offered to those who strove and prospered there.

Colour photograph

In 1890, due to health problems and following doctor’s orders, Grainger ceased working and set out for England on the S.S. Oruba.

This virtually put an end to an already unhappy marriage and kept him permanently separated from his child. Deck life seemed to agree with him as he regained his health.

Watercolour on paper

16.0 x 28.0 cm

Group portrait with John Grainger, 1892 - Dr Henry O'Hara (standing), John Grainger (seated left) and Frank Gates.

Photograph on silver gelatin printing out paper

Grainger entered into partnership with Phillip Kennedy and John Little. Grainger, Kennedy & Little practiced as architects and civil engineers and had an office at 123 Queen Street in central Melbourne.

This period of his professional life began with a quite prestigious success. Shortly after his arrival in Melbourne he won first prize in a competition for a design for a northern wing to Melbourne’s Town Hall. His firm was also responsible for the design of St Michael's Catholic Church in North Melbourne.

Chemical print from original drawing

By 1910 the firm was reduced to Grainger & Little but continued to secure significant projects. Their commissions included the State Savings Bank and Collins House (both now demolished).

Silver gelatin print of original plan drawing