Somerville House Library, 253 Vulture St - South Brisbane - QLD - Australia
Posted by: 
CADS11
S 27° 29.033 E 153° 01.434
56J E 502361 N 6959967
Library of Somerville House.
Waymark Code: WM11X24
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date Posted: 01/01/2020
Views: 1
The library is an excellent example of Inter War Gothic architecture drawing on early English design in the detailing (Criterion D.2). The siting of the building with a projecting octagonal bay and walled staircase give it a landmark quality in the streetscape of Vulture Street (Criterion F.1). The old South Brisbane Town Hall, Sommerville House school building and the library form a streetscape in Vulture Street of important buildings of their style which is consolidated by the similarity of materials (Criterion F.1).
Description
Somerville House commemorative library was opened on 17 October 1934 and built from money raised by the past pupils of the school. It was designed by Brenan Garget of the firm of Atkinson and Conrad, who were responsible for a number of other school buildings. Designed in the Gothic style with early English details. Typical of this style are the large four pointed arch at the entrance, crenellations to the parapet and a tower also with crenellations. Also in keeping is the use of face brick. The building has a terra cotta tiled roof and cement render as a dressing in contrast to the brick walls. Originally the library consisted of two rooms, with the octagonal room, which faced Vulture Street having a gallery. Fittings, furniture and memorial stained glass windows were designed for the building in an appropriate style. The library is situated in the South Brisbane precinct which is listed on the Register of the National Estate. The buildings in the immediate surroundings, including the Town Hall (1891-92) and Sommerville House (1890) are both late Victorian buildings and complimentary in details and materials. The library although different in scale is built of similar materials and completes the streetscape with the prominent octagonal bay terminating the corner. The buildings in the streetscape of Vulture Street are further enhance by the mature plants in the Memorial Park opposite.
Condition and Integrity
The building is in good condition. The exterior of the building is intact. The interior of the building is reasonably intact, although some of the original fittings have been removed. (Assessed in 1988)
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