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Former Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Presbytery & Balbiani Organ

Other Name Our Lady of Lebanon Location 199 Rathdowne Street,, CARLTON VIC 3053 - Property No B0485 File Number B0485 Level State

[1/6] B0485 Our Lady of Lebanon [2/6] B0485 Our Lady of Lebanon [3/6] B0485 Frmr Sacred Heart [4/6] B0485 Carlton Sacred Heart [5/6] Carlton Sacred Heart Balbiani [6/6] Carlton Sacred Heart Balbiani

Statement of Significance

Church Statement of Significance: The first and finest full-blown red brick Baroque church design in Victoria, built in 1897 to the design of Reed, Smart & Tappin - probably attributable to W B Tappin, and never fully completed. The sheer brick exterior surfaces relieved by cement dressings are austerely detailed and dramatic, there are fine stained glass windows, an elliptical barrel vaulted ceiling with painted decoration, and other fresco decoration internally.
Church Classified: 1970
Revised: 'State' 05/03/1987

Fincham & Hobday Organ Statement of Significance: This instrument is of interest for its maginficent blackwood case designed by Mr Salway and made in 1890 by Mr Bell for the four-manual Fincham & Hobday organ formerly in the Australian Church, Flinders Street. With three towers containing 16ft gilt pipes, and much fine carving, this case was moved to Carlton in 1958 and grafted to an 1882 William Anderson organ which was rebuilt in 1958 by George Fincham & Sons. The organ originally attached to the case is now at Wilson Hall, within the University of Melbourne.
Classified: 'Local' 22/10/1990

Balbianai, Milano Pipe Organ
What is significant? The pipe organ built in 1929 is the only example of the notable Italian organbuilding firm of Balbiani to be found in Australia. Apart from conversion of the action to electro-pneumatic, and detaching of the original inbuilt console, the instrument remains very substantially intact.
How is it significant? The organ is significant for historic, aesthetic and technical reasons at a regional level
Why is it significant? The Balbiani pipe organ at Sacred Heart Church is significant for the following reasons:
-It is the only example of its builder's work in Australia
. It is a rare largely intact example of its builder's work anywhere
. It is a romantic-symphonic instrument with the pipework voiced in a highly distinctive and colourful manner
. The casework and console are attractive
. Its association with Monsignor Mario Pettorelli (1889-1954), who directed the music at the 1928 Eucharistic Congress, and who advised on the choice of organ builder
Classified: 'Regional' 28/05/2012
See also: B2315 Former St Georges School