Description
Finely engraved detailed colonial view of Geelong by Samuel Thomas Gill (1818-1880), with the Victoria Hotel on the left which had opened at the corner of Moorabool and Malop Streets in 1846. The view is looking towards the recently completed a single southern wing along Little Malop Street of the Townhall.
The two acres of land for the Town Hall was acquired by the council in 1854 on the corner of Little Malop and Gheringhap Streets. A design competition was held, with 12 entries being received. The winning entry was submitted by a Melbourne architect, Joseph Reed with an estimated cost of 34,533 pounds (. The council decided to only build a single southern wing along Little Malop Street. The foundation stone was laid on April 9, 1855 by the then-Mayor Dr William Baylie. The wing was completed soon after.
References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 9924, 15440b.
Wantrup, J. Australian Rare Books. Sydney 1987 260a, 260b.
Kerr, J. The Dictionary of Australian Artists Painters, Sketchers, Photographers ….to 1870 Melbourne 1992 p.296-298.
Bowden, K. Samuel Thomas Gill Artist. Maryborough 1971 p.77-81, p.120.
Collections:
State Library Victoria: RARELTF 919.45 V66 A
National Library Australia: Bib ID 453023
State Library New South Wales: Q85/66
