Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Painted Decoration - Rothbury

Location Lal Lal Road,, YENDON VIC 3352 - Property No B7169 File Number B7169 Level State

[1/1] B7169 Painted Decoration

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The single storied house, probably built in the early 1860s, was first occupied by J P Howard. Though small in size, it has generous proportions, and an unusual plan. Three rooms along the front have French doors opening onto the veranda, which has interesting restrained cast iron trim and continues around the side. Flanking the front door there is an octagonal bay window, which may be a later addition, identifying what was probably the drawing room. Behind this is a room that was probably the dining room.The house hashad various owners, but has not ben substantially altered in the 20th century.
The painted decoration was revealed in late 2001 when wallpapers in the two main rooms were steamed off. In the drawing room, they consist of fairly delicate, possibly Adam inspired decorative elements spoking out from the modest ceiling rose, bound by elaborate borders, with painted female busts in the corners, and horns and floral elements between. The walls are subdivided by painted Corinthian pilasters, with arches above, and delicate floral swags between. The joinery and cornices have been painted white at some stage. The main visible decoration on the dining room is a faded stencilled dado, but there are indications of further decoration under later paint.
How is it significant? The painted decoration at Rothbury, is significant for aesthetic and historical reasons at the State level.
Why is it significant? Rothbury is remarkable for its surviving painted decoration of the interior. It is aesthetically important as a grand scheme applied over walls and ceiling, providing a striking and unified effect. The possibly Adam inspired scheme on the ceiling, combined with simple columns and arches on the walls, is unusually simple and delicate for a late 19th century or early 20th interior.
The painted decoration of both rooms is historically important as one of the relatively few examples of 19th century domestic decoration to survive in Victoria. Given the enormous number of houses and mansions built in the 19th century, and the popularity of elaborate decorative interior schemes, it is remarkable that so few survive. This decoration in the drawing room is also unusual for being an elaborate scheme that is entirely painted, rather than incorporating the usual wallpapers, dado, and elaborate plaster or timber work.
Classified: 03/06/2002