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Old Law Quadrangle

Location University of Melbourne,, PARKVILLE VIC 3052 - Property No B0161 File Number B0161 Level State

[1/1] B0161 Quadrangle Old Law

Statement of Significance

The University of Melbourne was established in 1853.The first buildings were constructed from 1854 -1857 to the competition winning designs of F M White. This original structure today comprises the north, east and west wings of the quadrangle and is only a portion of White's original conception. The north annexe was added in 1873-75, probably to designs by Reed and Barnes, the cloisters and south facades to the side wings,1930 and the south wing 1970.
The east, west and north wings of the quadrangle incorporating the cloisters and north annexe include the original buildings of the University of Melbourne and form the core of the present campus. They are one of the finest and oldest non-ecclesiastical gothic revival structures in Victoria and the most important of F M White's works. The stone carvings, particularly on the corbels, bosses, etc. in the cloisters and around the windows and doors are highly distinctive features. The cloister vaulting and corridor arches are unusual.
The buildings have been encroached upon in recent years and several original stone decorative and functional features (chimneys and finials) have disappeared or (gargoyles and foliage bosses) are in a sad state of decay. What remains of the original exterior and interior must be retained and restored. Exclude modern wing completing quadrangle.
Classified: 19/06/1958