Boroondara Cemetery, Syme Memorial
440 High Street KEW, BOROONDARA CITY
Barrington Avenue Precinct, Kew
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Statement of Significance
Significance of Individual Memorial
The Syme memorial is of significance as one of the most finely designed and executed pieces of monumental design in Melbourne, of particular distinction for the rarity of its Egyptian reference. The significance is enhanced by the status of David Syme.
Significance of Boroondara Cemetery
Boroondara Cemetery is an historic site of significance to Kew,that contains monuments of wider significance. Four monuments within the cemetery have been designated as Grade A structures (mainly on architectural grounds), however the cemetery's significance lies in its overall intact state and the historic nature of many of the graves within it, and for its proximity to Victoria Park.
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Boroondara Cemetery, Syme Memorial - Physical Description 1
Originally set aside for reserve purposes, a portion of a triangle of land situated almost in the centre of Kew, was proclaimed the Boroondara Cemetery in 1859 [ 9 ] The planning of the cemetery was carried out by J.F. Higgins of the Lands Department [ 10 ] and the first burial, at what was later to become one of Melbourne's historic landmarks, noted particularly for its memorials, took place on 12 March 1859 [ 11 ]
David Syme, political economist and publisher of the Age, died at his home, 'Blythswood', in February 1908 [ 12 ] He was buried at the Boroondara Cemetery where his impressive memorial was built from granite and copper--'. The design is one of the most distinctive and scholarly pieces of monumental architecture in Melbourne, drawing on the Egyptian for its stylistic reference. It has a temple-like form with each of the columns having a different capital detail. These support a cornice that coves both inwards and outwards. in addition to the rectangle of columns, the tomb was given balustradings set between granite piers, that create porch spaces leading to the entrance ways.
References -
1 Clerehan, N., 'Three Tombs', in Historic Environment, Vol 2, NoA, 1982, p.24
2 ibid.
3 Barnard, F.O.A., The Jubilee History ofKew, p.l04
4 ibid.
5 ibid.
6 Rogers, D., A History of Kew, p.99
7 Clerehan, loc.cit.
Heritage Study and Grading
Boroondara - City of Kew Urban Conservation Study
Author: Pru Sanderson Design Pty Ltd
Year: 1988
Grading: A
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XAVIER COLLEGEVictorian Heritage Register H0893
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D'ESTAVILLEVictorian Heritage Register H0201
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SPRINGTHORPE MEMORIAL, BOROONDARA GENERAL CEMETERYVictorian Heritage Register H0522
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"1890"Yarra City
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"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
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"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
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