"Ariston" and "Jesmond" House

A - State Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - GRC (Historic Places Documentation Sheet)

The terrace pair of two storey houses known as 'Jesmond and Arlston' (formerly 'Benton') were erected in 1880 for Ward Nicholson, part proprietor of the Vulcan Foundry, Geelong's long established iron foundry. This distinctive and elaborately enhanced terrace pair, with finely detailed cast iron balcony, cement render mouldings and interior is an important example of the terrace house in Geelong, with detailing characteristics of the work of Architect, Alexander Davidson, a close friend of foundry-man Ward Nicholson and possibly the architect for this exceptional semi-detached pair.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register.

Australian Heritage Commission Register of the National Estate

Historic Buildings Council Register

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register

REFERENCES

Sutherland, Alexander - Victoria and it's Metropolis

McCarron , Bird, Melbourne, 1888, Vol 2, p154 for details of Humble and Nicholson's Vulcan Foundry

Willingham, Allan - "Two Scots in Victoria": The Architecture of Davidson and Henderson. Master of Architecture, University of Melbourne, 1983

Significance - City of Geelong - Urban Conservation Study - Significant Sites

Historically, although occupied for only a short period by it's first owner, the important Ward Nicholson, is in nevertheless a reflection of his tastes and his firm's products. Architecturally, an important milestone in the development of the Queen Anne revival style in Victoria, a popular style in the Edwardian era, and a contributor to a residential precinct.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House