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Supreme Court Library

Other Name Law Courts Location 192-228 William Street and 462-498 Little Bourke Street MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITY File Number B1078 Level State

[1/1] B1078 Supreme Court Library

Statement of Significance

The Supreme Court Library is part of a complex of buildings known as the Melbourne Law Courts, occupying half a city block; William Street between Lonsdale and Little Bourke Streets. Smith and Johnson won the design competition for the Courts and prepared the working drawings. J J Clark and Peter Kerr undertook the detail drawings for the Public Works Department who also supervised the works. Erected between 1874 and 1884, the Law Courts are constructed in brick on bluestone foundations and faced with Tasmanian freestone.

The Law Courts are one of the most finely designed and executed buildings in Australia. Their centrepiece is the dome which was once one of Melbourne's landmarks. Modelled on the dome of the Four Courts in Dublin, it constitutes a fitting memorial to the Dublin men who were so prominent in Victoria's early Judiciary. The austerely decorated form is complex and unusual. Inside space is complemented by the superb quality and design of the finishes, making the Library one of Melbourne's greatest interiors.
Classified State:22/02/1970
See also B0115 Law Courts Precinct