Hearne's Building (former)

The former warehouse of W. G. Hearne and Company Wholesale druggists was renovated in c 1920 by Geelong architect, Mr. Frederick C. Purnell by construction of a new facade to an earlier brick and masonry building occupied by F.L. Cooper and Company, manufacturers and merchants. The structure was apparently originally used as a grain store in Ryrie Street. The facade, with three dominant bay windows, upper balcony, minarets and mansard roof is a notable early 20th century example of architectural eclecticism, E. G. Hearne and Company were noted for their famous 'Hearne's bronchitis cure'. The building is one of few documented works of F. C. Purnell a local identity and one time office commanding the Geelong Garrison Artillery.

References

The Australian Home Builder, March 1924 page 62 includes illustrations of building prior to alterations by F. C. Purnell, and immediately afterwards.

Aitken, Richard, 'Edwardian Geelong: An Architectural Introduction' Deakin University, Geelong, November 1979. n.p. for details of career of F. C. Purnell.

News of the Week 1 July 1909

Advertisement relating to practice of Purnell and Sons, architects and builders, timber merchants and contractors.

Geelong Historical Records Centre photographic collection.

Removed from City Fringe Heritage Area

Group

Commercial

Category

Commercial Office/Building