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Former Dainty Frock Factory

Location 114-116 Church Street,, HAWTHORN VIC 3122 - Property No B7309 File Number B7309 Level Local

[1/1] B7309 Dainty Frock Factory

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Dainty Frock Factory was designed in 1946 by Robin Boyd, while in the partnership of Boyd, Pethebridge and Bell, for the owner Jack Bellew. About fourteen projects are believed to have been designed during this early partnership immediately after WWII, but probably only three of these were built. Boyd did not design any other industrial buildings until Turner Industries at Nunawading in 1957-8, and after this designed several for Stegbar. The building was used from 1980 as offices by the Melbourne architect Peter McIntyre, who added the second storey, the wavy awning across the front and opened new windows in the north and south sides of the building, including a wall of windows at ground level along the north side.
The former Dainty Frock Factory as designed by Boyd was a single storey rendered brick building in a simple undecorated style. The 1980 alterations changed the appearance of the building. The Church Street elevation now consists of four intersecting rectilinear masses stepping back from Church Street, with a single storey section on part of the ground floor and two large metal framed square windows on the first floor facing Church Street. It is and has always been painted a light cream colour. Behind this street facade the building is a simple rectangular two-storey structure.
How is it significant? The former Dainty Frock Factory is significant for historical reasons at a Local level.
Why is it significant? The former Dainty Frock Factory is historically significant as one of the first buildings designed by Robin Boyd after he commenced practice at the end of WWII in the partnership of Boyd, Pethebridge and Bell. It is significant as a very early example of Boyd's work and as one of the few factory buildings designed by him.
Classified: 28/02/2005