Category Melbourne

Mar 12 2012

24-05-1876: Academy of Music, Bourke Street Melbourne, Victoria.

The Victorian Arcade and Academy of Music (The Bijou Theatre) was designed by Reed & Barnes.  The foundation stone was laid by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, on Tuesday 23rd May 1876 in Bourke Street Melbourne and opened in the same year. It was destroyed by a fire on the 22nd of April 1889.

The Australasian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil, Melbourne, Saturday 10th June 1876.

 “… Mr. Aarons, in his determination to make the effect as handsome as possible, has instructed Messrs. Ferguson and Urie to fill in the screen between the landing of the dress circle door and the arcade with stained glass. This screen is divided by columns, mouldings, and other appropriate architectural devices, into a large central and several other window openings. The central opening is to be filled in with a copy, in stained glass, of Wenterholter’s [sic] portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, of which, fortunately there is a full-size copy in our Houses of Parliament …”.

Weekly Times, Melbourne, Vic, Saturday 22nd July 1876, page 11.

“THE NEW ARCADE AND ACADEMY OF MUSIC”
“…One of the most striking features of the whole design, however, will be an immense stained glass screen forming the end view from the arcade. This screen, divided into nine panels, has for the centre a colossal figure of Her Majesty the Queen, 11ft high, and done in the most exquisite manner by Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of this city. Eight smaller panels – four on each side – will show allegorical pictures of music and the drama, while eight large circles will be filled with life-size busts of the most eminent musical and dramatic composers and authors – all done in stained glass…”

A new Bijou Theatre was designed by George Johnson but was demolished in the early 1900’s. The Commonwealth Bank (219-225 Bourke street) now stands on the site.

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External links:

♦ Web site: Australian Variety Theatre Archive

♦ Biography: George Lewis, first lessee of the Bijou Theatre.

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Mar 11 2012

30-11-1875: Closure of Melbourne Colonial Exhibition.

The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 30th November 1875, page 5.

On the closure of the Melbourne Colonial Exhibition, some of Ferguson & Urie’s stained glass were chosen by the committee to be included as exhibition examples to be shipped to New York on the “Skerryvore” on Saturday the 4th of December 1875 for participation in the Philadelphia exhibition.

Mar 11 2012

17-09-1875: The Victorian Exhibition awards of 1875.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 17th September 1875, page 3.

“JURY AWARDS AT THE EXHIBITION”

 “Lyon, Cottier, and Co, Sydney, 119, stained window, second prize”.

“Ferguson and Urie, Melbourne – 120, 121. stained windows, &c, first prize”.

Mar 11 2012

02-09-1875: The 1875 Victorian Exhibition Catalogue.

Ferguson & Urie exhibited their stained glass work at the Victorian Intercolonial Exhibition which was opened on the 2nd of September 1875. The official catalogue of exhibits, page 47 Group 4, listed Ferguson & Urie as well as former business partner John Lamb Lyon as Lyon, Cottier & Co of Sydney, exhibiting along side each other. The articles make mention of “Mr Clarke’s mansion, Sunbury” known as Rupertswood, now operating as boutique accommodation and events venue. The Rupertswood windows, span two floors and contain scenes of hunting and countryside that were the work of the firms’ senior stained glass artist David Relph Drape, some of which have Drapes name hidden within the scenery.

The Victorian Intercolonial Exhibition Catalogue 1875, page 47.

– LYON, COTTIER & CO., Sydney, New South Wales. Stained Glass Stairwell Window. Subject – “Captain Cook”.
– FERGUSON & URIE, 10 Collins-street East, Melbourne. Staircase on wall Window, “The Seasons”, Staircase on wall Window, “Rob Roy”, Portion of Staircase Window for Mr. Clarke’s mansion, Sunbury, Embossed Plate Glass for do, “Chillingworth Wild Cattle”, “The Maries at the Tomb”, “The Charge to Peter”, Samples of margins.

Notes on the above tabloid article:

1. “The Seasons” – unknown (possibly Mandeville Hall, Toorak).
2. “Rob Roy” – unknown.
3. Clarke’s Mansion Sunbury – This is ‘Rupertswood’ – All stained glass is extant.
4. “The Maries at the Tomb” – unknown.
5. “The Charge to Peter” – unknown.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 3rd September 1875, page 3s

“The exhibits of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, Nos. 120-121, afford gratifying proof of the demand which exists amongst us for works of decNotes:orative art, and the designs for the works which have been executed by them give us some idea of the extent to which the local manufacturers of painted glass have drawn upon in the decoration of our churches and large dwellings. The designs of almost all these, as well as that in the specimens exhibited, are excellent – lacking, if anything, in boldness – the colours in almost all instances being rich, and at the same time harmonious. Messrs. Ferguson and Urie have, we suppose, to consult the taste of their patrons, which is, we do them the justice to believe, the reason why a picture on glass of Chillingham Cattle has been prepared. Nothing more contrary to the true principals which should have been kept steadily in view in this development of art could possibly be conceived. As an illustration of glass painting of quite a different, but at the same time more boldly artistic school, attention must be called to a staircase window, designed as a memorial of Cook, the navigator, the seated figure being designed by a thorough artist, and the patterns containing illustrations of the typical animals and birds of Australia being especially worthy of notice. The colour is, however, wanting in richness. This exhibit is from the workshops of Messrs. Lyon, Cottier, and Co., Sydney.”

Excerpt from Intercolonial exhibition 1875 – Official Catalogue Advertiser:

“FERGUSON & URIE, GLASS STAINERS, No. 10 Collins Street East. Memorial, Heraldic, and Grisaille; Stained Glass Windows for Churches and other Buildings, executed at the Stained Glass Works, Curzon-street, North Melbourne. Illuminated Commandments and Wall Decorations; Embossed Plate and Sheet Glass, any pattern; Lead Lights in Cathedral, Crown, Sheet and Ornamental Glass. Designs submitted with Estimate of Cost. Awarded two Medals, Melbourne Exhibition, 1867. Stained Glass Works, Curzon-street, North Melbourne”.

Mar 8 2012

1874: The German Lutheran Church, Parliament Place, Melbourne, Victoria.

The German Lutheran Church was built in Parliament Place in 1874 and all the glazing was executed by Ferguson & Urie. The three windows in the apse are the centre piece of the church. All the windows in the Clerestory, and a number of windows in the nave with the red, blue and yellow borders are original Ferguson & Urie glass.

Photos taken 26 September 2010.

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The German Lutheran Church, Parliament place Melbourne.

The first German Lutheran church was built on the current site in 1854 by William Hellings to the designs of Bellairs, Kürsteiner & Co and was replaced in 1874 by the existing Gothic style bluestone church designed by Charles Blachmann and built by Henry Goedeke. All the original stained glass windows in the church were supplied by local stained glass company Ferguson & Urie in 1874 including the simple nave windows with plain glass diamond quarries and red and blue borders (I refer to these as their ‘stock’ windows). Some of these ‘stock’ windows were later replaced by memorial windows made by other stained glass artists. The three apse windows are all the same size with the centre one containing a different design which includes the Hexagram symbol, which is frequently seen as a symbol of the Freemasons (AKA ‘Seal of Solomon’ or’ Shield of David’), and the depiction of the Lamb of god with the victory flag and text below “Ecce Agnus Dei” which refers to John 1:29, “Behold the lamb of god, which taketh away the sin of the world”. The outer two apse windows are of identical design with an eight petal flower inside an eight pointed star which were medieval symbols of resurrection and eternal life. According to the church archives, the centre apse window was invoiced from Ferguson & Urie at £96, 12s on the 16th September 1874. At the top of the western three light window above the main entrance is a sexfoil rose design with red Y‐shaped decorations being symbols of the Trinity. The centre glass window below it was replaced in 1932 with stained glass designed by East Melbourne artist Ola Cohn.

Illustrated Sydney News, NSW, Saturday 16th January 1875, page 3.

“NEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, MELBOURNE.

In February, 1849, the first ship with German immigrants   arrived in Port Phillip; others soon followed, and formed a “Lutheran congregation, holding their services in a building in Collins-street, then the Rev. Mr. Morrison’s church, and now used as a State school. The services were conducted by laymen, a sermon being read by one of them. Mr. Matthias Goethe, one of the professors at Dr. Lang’s college in Sydney, accepted the charge, and, on Good Friday, 1853, was inducted pastor of the Lutheran congregation in Melbourne. Money was then collected, and the erection of a   Lutheran church commenced on the Eastern-hill, on ground granted for that purpose. The cost was £6000, and it was opened in 1854. In 1867 the Rev. Mr. Goethe left for California, and the Rev. Herman Herlitz, from German town, near Geelong, succeeded him as pastor; and the old church being too small, it was resolved to erect a larger and more handsome building. In August, 1872, the plans of Mr. C. H. E. Blachmann were accepted, and the foundation stone of the new building was laid on the 17th of March last. The church when finished will seat about 330 persons, and will cost nearly £4000; the building is of bluestone, with cement dressing. The length, including chancel, is 85 feet; breadth of nave, 23 feet; with aisles each side 7 feet   wide. The height inside to apex of ceiling is 36 feet. The windows to aisles and nave are filled with cathedral glass, having ornamented stained glass borders; but the apse windows are of a more costly description, all made by Messrs. Fergusson [sic] and Urie. The caps of columns carrying nave walls are beautifully foliated. All the fittings including a very handsome pulpit and reading desk, are of polished cedar and blackwood. A handsome organ presented by the Misses Moeglin, at a cost of about £400, will be put up in the gallery. The opening will take place next month”.

♦ Other References: ‘A German Church in the Garden of God’ – Melbourne’s Trinity Lutheran Church 1853-2003. Herbert D Mees General Editor.

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Mar 7 2012

24-10-1873: The Turkish Baths, Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

A building occupied by the Levy Brothers in Bourke street Melbourne was converted to Turkish baths by a Mr. S. J. Hosie.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 24th October 1873, page 5.

“… The stained glass windows are from the works of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie and the paintings on glass were done by Mr. Moore…”

Thomas Hosie’s Turkish Bathing Palace and Bar was opened by Governor Sir George Bowen on the 23rd of October 1873. The baths were located at Bourke Street East and no longer exists. Nothing is know what happened to the stained glass windows.

HOSIES Turkish Bathing Palace 01

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Mar 7 2012

30-09-1873: Ferguson & Urie advertise 10 Collins street for sale.

The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 30th September1873, page 8.

“FOR SALE, or To Let, No. 10 Collins-street east. Ferguson and Urie, Curzon-street, Hotham”.

This is one of the earliest indications that the Ferguson & Urie company had premises in Collins street. The Company didn’t end up selling the premises at address 10 Collins street and ten years later, in 1884, they decided to erect  a seven story building which would become their main business headquarters.

Related posts:

20-03-1884: Ferguson & Urie building facade approved to be made of Hydraulic Freestone.

22-08-1884 : Ferguson & Urie’s new premises.

19-08-1889: Sale of the Ferguson & Urie building in Collins Street

14-11-1899: The Auction of 283 Collins Street.

21-02-1901: The Citizens Life Assurance Company purchases the building.

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Mar 6 2012

29-08-1873: Dissolution of Partnership with John Lamb Lyon.

Victorian Government Gazette, Friday 29th August 1873, No: 64, page 1553.

“DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP – THE partnership heretofore subsisting between the undersigned James Ferguson, James Urie and John Lamb Lyon, as stained glass manufacturers, at Curzon street, Hotham, in the colony of Victoria, under the style of “Ferguson; Urie, and Lyon.” Has been this day dissolved by mutual consent, so far as regards the said John Lamb Lyon. All debts owing to and by the said late firm will be paid to and by the said James Ferguson and James Urie. Dated this fifteenth day of August 1873. JAMES FERGUSON, JAMES URIE, JOHN LAMB LYON. Witnesses to all the signatures – Saml Gillett, solicitor, Melbourne; J. C. Stewart, solicitor. No. 3709”

After ten years with the firm, John Lamb Lyon had decided to head to Sydney where he would team up with a long time friend and former fellow apprentice, Daniel Cottier, to form the Sydney stained glass firm “Lyon & Cottier”.

Victoria Government Gazette 64, Friday 29th August 1873 Page 1553

Victoria Government Gazette 64, Friday 29th August 1873 Page 1553

Related posts:

♦ 27-08-1873: The sale of Lyon’s Dudley street house.

External links:

♦ Wikipedia: Daniel Cottier

♦ Biography: John Lamb Lyon

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Mar 6 2012

27-08-1873: John Lamb Lyon sells his house in Dudley Street West Melbourne.

The Argus, Melbourne, Wednesday 27th August 1873, page 2.

John Lamb Lyon has decided to depart the Ferguson & Urie firm. On the 27th of August 1873 at “twelve o’clock noon”, as reported in the Argus, an auction was conducted for his house and contents at, 38 Dudley street West Melbourne.

Lyon then left for Sydney where he teamed up with a long time friend Daniel Cottier to start the Sydney stained glass firm of Lyon, Cottier & Co.

Related posts:

♦ 29-08-1873: Dissolution of partnership with Ferguson & Urie.

♦ 1916: John Lamb Lyon, Stained Glass Artist, (1835-1916)

External links:

♦ Powerhouse Museum: Stained glass window by John Lamb Lyon, 1879 – 1889

♦ Wikipedia: Daniel Cottier

♦ Biography: John Lamb Lyon 1835-1916

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Mar 4 2012

10-01-1873: Melbourne Exhibition of 1873.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 10 January 1873, page 6.

At the Melbourne Exhibition of 1873, Ferguson, Urie & Lyon were awarded a Silver Medal for exhibit 229 under section 3 – ‘Miscellaneous’, for Stained Glass and drawings.

The Victorian Exhibition was held in Melbourne from the 6th November 1872 to 8th January 1873 and exhibited almost entirely Victorian products that were intended to be shown at the London International Exhibition of 1873 (14 Apr 1873 – 31 October 1873).