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Former Buckley & Nunn Emporium & Lifts
298 - 312 Bourke Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B6592
Former Buckley & Nunn Emporium & Lifts
298 - 312 Bourke Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B6592
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Statement of Significance
The former Buckley and Nunn's Emporium, built in 1910-1912 and designed by noted architectural firm of Bates, Peebles and Smart, is of State architectural and historical significance. The lift surrounds and lift cars, designed by the firm's successor Bates Smart McCutcheon in 1934, are aesthetically and historically significant at the State level.
Historically, the building represents Melbourne's longest operating retail establishment, with Buckley and Nunn's first store opening on the site in 1852, and trading until 1981. Since the 1910s, 'Buckleys', and its similar successor David Jones, has been one of the city's most important department stores, second only to Myers in size, and the now defunct Georges in perceived quality. After Myers, it is the only major department store in Melbourne to survive with any degree of continuity.
Architecturally, the facade of the store is a rare example of the English Baroque Revival in Victoria, and possesses strong forms, and eclectic detailing. The engaged rustication on the giant order Ionic columns, the unusual lattice-effect balustrades, and the colourful mosaic panels are the most notable features. The building is a significant element in the streetscape of this part of Bourke Street, the retail heart of Melbourne.
The Adam style plaster decoration of the ceilings, cornices and capitals survive relatively intact throughout much of the building. These elements are the most extensive surviving retail interior in Melbourne, and reflect the elegance and extent of decoration once found in all department stores.
The lifts and lift surrounds are amongst the best examples of the 'Jazz Moderne' (or Art Deco) style in Melbourne, featuring unusually rich materials, ornate details and superior craftsmanship. The black marble surrounds with chromium detailing, and the interiors with dark tinted mirrors and ornate decorative timber and metal work provide a sumptuous and stylish example of the style.
Classified: 05/03/2001
Historically, the building represents Melbourne's longest operating retail establishment, with Buckley and Nunn's first store opening on the site in 1852, and trading until 1981. Since the 1910s, 'Buckleys', and its similar successor David Jones, has been one of the city's most important department stores, second only to Myers in size, and the now defunct Georges in perceived quality. After Myers, it is the only major department store in Melbourne to survive with any degree of continuity.
Architecturally, the facade of the store is a rare example of the English Baroque Revival in Victoria, and possesses strong forms, and eclectic detailing. The engaged rustication on the giant order Ionic columns, the unusual lattice-effect balustrades, and the colourful mosaic panels are the most notable features. The building is a significant element in the streetscape of this part of Bourke Street, the retail heart of Melbourne.
The Adam style plaster decoration of the ceilings, cornices and capitals survive relatively intact throughout much of the building. These elements are the most extensive surviving retail interior in Melbourne, and reflect the elegance and extent of decoration once found in all department stores.
The lifts and lift surrounds are amongst the best examples of the 'Jazz Moderne' (or Art Deco) style in Melbourne, featuring unusually rich materials, ornate details and superior craftsmanship. The black marble surrounds with chromium detailing, and the interiors with dark tinted mirrors and ornate decorative timber and metal work provide a sumptuous and stylish example of the style.
Classified: 05/03/2001
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FORMER CARLTON AND UNITED BREWERYVictorian Heritage Register H0024
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ROSAVILLEVictorian Heritage Register H0408
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MEDLEY HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0409
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