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Edgecumbe

Other Name

Geelong Workers' Club

Location

12 Skene Street,, NEWTOWN VIC 3220 - Property No B0268

File Number

B0268

Level

Local

Statement of Significance

The two storey stucco rendered brick mansion Edgecumbe, now The Geelong Workers' Club, was erected c.1859/60 for wealthy Geelong merchant Silas Harding. This conservative classical style mansion was designed by architects Backhouse and Reynolds and originally fronted Aberdeen Street. Charles Henry Smith, owner of the Clyde Fell-mongery, lived in the mansion from 1878-1908.
Edgecumbe was converted into premises for The Geelong Workers' Club in 1957. The mansion house, although considerably altered, is an interesting example of the work of Backhouse and Reynolds, the dominant architectural practice in Geelong and district in the mid nineteenth century. The building is most notable for the unusual arcuated, double storey facade, the classical ornamention, and the interesting associations, firstly with the influential Geelong merchant Silas Harding and later with fellmonger Charles Smith.
Edgecumbe has been substantially modified in the process of conversion to premises for The Geelong Workers' Club. The interior has been largely re-arranged and the exterior facades extended and obscured by additions.
Classified: 27/11/1958

Group

Community Facilities