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Melbourne Grammar School Chapel of St Peter & Organ

Location Domain Road,, SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141 - Property No B5912 File Number B5912 Level Regional

[1/1] B5912 Melbourne Grammar Chapel

Statement of Significance

Chapel Statement of Significance: The first school chapel in Victoria, built in 1892-3 to a design by A E Johnston in the modern British tradition of architects like Pearson and Bruges. It is built of bluestone with Waurn Ponds freestone dressings and comprises a four bay nave with large cinquefoil clerestory windows, two-bay transepts placed under twin transverse gables, apsidal chancel, organ chamber and spire. It is notable for its meticulous detailing including an interior faced in Oamaru limestone and elaborate open timber roof to the nave. The chapel contains many lavish fittings in stone, including carved reredos, altar, pulpit and lectern, mosaic and opus sectile panels, and an impressive array of stained glass by local and overseas makers.
Chapel Classified: 09/02/1989
Organ Statement of Significance: A two-manual organ built by the prominent English firm of Norman & Beard, Norwich in 1913, originally of 17 speaking stops, and rebuilt in 1947 and 1966 by Hill, Norman & Beard. While there has been some minor tonal additions, the instrument retains its original pipework and casework although the console fittings and action have been altered. The instrument was designed by the noted Melbourne organist AEH Nickson and is the only surviving example of its builder's work in Victoria following the destruction of the organ at St Peter's, Eastern Hill in 1972. It is notable for the solidity of its construction and the excellence of its voicing.
Organ Classified: 15/04/1992