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Former Mcpherson's Hardware Showrooms And Warehouse

Location 546 - 566 Collins Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B4095 File Number B4095 Level State

[1/1] B4095 Fmr McPherson's Hardware

Statement of Significance

The former McPherson's Pty. Ltd. Building was erected in 1934-35 as a reinforced concrete warehouse, office and showroom for the hardware merchant empire headed by Sir Wiliam McPherson. S.P. Calder, Reid and Pearson were architects in association for the design of this international style building with a facade of broad, horizontal bands of glass, terrcotta and black "carrarra" structural glass. Stainless steel letters in a modern type identified the premises, as did the enormous show-windows which exemplify the influence of the motor car on shop design.
The former McPherson's Company building is perhaps the finest example of the International style in Melbourne, reflecting the influence of the German architect, Eric Mendelsohn. The design was universally admired in 1935 and retains the quality to the present day. The building stands in stark contrast with the revivalist architecture popularly sponsored in the 1930s in Victoria. Sir William McPherson later became Premier of Victoria.
The McPherson's Company used this building from 1935-74 when it was acquired by the Melbourne & Metropolitian Board of Works and converted to laboratory premises. The facade lettering has been removed and the interior spaces refitted but otherwise the building is intact.
Classified: 17/09/1981
Revised: 03/08/1998