Back to search results » Back to search page »

Hamilton & Western District College

Location

Chaucer Street HAMILTON, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

HAMDS #104

Level

Stage 2 study complete

[1/1]
26645 Hamilton & Western

Statement of Significance

SIGNIFICANCE: »Significant as the best example the architects', Elleker & Kilburn, work in Hamilton but also as the educational focus of both the town and the country. Landmark building with its tower.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Hamilton and Western District College
Chaucer St

Of state significance, the Hamilton and Western District College is the most important of the three private schools in Hamilton. It was set up to and still serves not just the town but much of the Western District for both primary and secondary education. This is reflected in the names of the directors and trustees who have run the school since 1870. ([i]) The school has had a close connection with the Presbyterian Church again reflecting the strong Scottish background of many people in the Western District but is now non-denominational. From the beginning the school strived for excellence which was recognized as early as 1888. ([ii])

The College has amalgamated with its sister school, Alexandra College. Both original buildings were designed by the leading Melbourne architects, W H Elleker. As with Alexandra College, their original design was never completed with the end pavilions and their bay windows being replaced by smaller wings. The former was described as "Early Italian" in style and this is suggested in the detailing of the Hamilton College not so much in the facade as the side wings. The English born William Henry Elleker trained in Melbourne under Messrs Kemp, Knight and Kerr, one of the most important early architectural firms. ([iii]) The eminence of their private and commercial clients, shows how well connected and successful Elleker and his later partner E G Kilburn became. ([iv])

The school has been extended and altered sympathetically. It remains significantly intact and in excellent condition. It is a landmark building for Hamilton. ([v])[i] Garden, D, Hamilton, p 90.

FOOTNOTES
[ii] Victoria & Its Metropolis, Vol 11A, p 58.
[iii] The front door of the College should be compared with Knight & Kerr's Mannerist entrance to D'Estaville, 7 Barry St, Kew 0f 1858.
[iv] Victoria & Its Metropolis, Vol 11B, p 516.
[v] Its tower more than any other vantage point has always been popular with photographers.

Group