ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE AND …heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/... · documentary evidence; &/or • oral history, relating to the place/object

ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL

NAME CAMBERWELL MASONIC HALL

LOCATION 12 PROSPECT HILL ROAD, CAMBERWELL

HERITAGE OVERLAY NO: BOROONDARA CITY COUNCIL HO539

FILE NUMBER: FOL/16/50007

HERMES NUMBER: 197447

This recommendation report has been issued by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria under s.32 of the Heritage Act 1995. It has not been considered or endorsed by the Heritage Council of Victoria.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL: • That the place NOT be included in the Victorian Heritage Register under Section 32 (1)(b) of the

Heritage Act 1995.

Tim Smith OAM Executive Director, Heritage Victoria Recommendation Date: 17 March 2017

Name: Camberwell Masonic Hall Hermes Number: 197447

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NOMINATION

A nomination was accepted for this place on 8 December 2016.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSE SUMMARY

It is the view of the Executive Director that this place should not be included in the Victorian Heritage Register for the reasons outlined in this report. The local level heritage values of the Camberwell Masonic Hall are reflected in its current listing in City of Boroondara Planning Scheme as HO539.


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RECOMMENDATION REASONS

REASONS FOR NOT RECOMMENDING INCLUSION IN THE VICTORIAN HERITAGE REGISTER [s.34A(2)]

Following is the Executive Director's assessment of the place against the tests set out in The Victorian Heritage Register Criteria and Thresholds Guidelines (2014).

CRITERION A

Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION A

The place/object has a CLEAR ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life in Victoria’s cultural history.

Plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the

place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. Plus

The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria.

Executive Director’s Response

Camberwell Masonic Hall has a clear association with the freemasonry organisation which played an important role in the cultural life of Victorian communities. The first Masonic lodge was established in Victoria in 1840 and many more were established during the gold rush of the 1850s and 1860s.

As communities and townships grew, more lodges were established and most aspired to construct their own hall. As a consequence, hundreds of masonic halls were constructed in Melbourne and in towns throughout Victoria. The lodges were (and continue to be) significant local organisations within the context of a broader world-wide organisation, and formed an enduring sense of community with the places in which they were located. Their halls were important places for social gatherings, and often became the focal point for the community.

The association of the Camberwell Masonic Hall with freemasonry is clearly evident in the physical fabric of the place, through the form and design of the building, and through the use of symbols and emblems. The interiors are partially demolished, however, the association is still evident through the plan, as well as applied finishes, including remnant sections of blue painted walls, a colour synonymous with freemasonry, and surviving chequerboard flooring in the rear extension.

Freemasonry is of historical importance, having made a strong contribution to community life in various locations throughout Victoria.

Criterion A is likely to be satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION A

The place/object allows the clear association with the event, phase etc. of historical importance to be UNDERSTOOD BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE

SAME ASSOCIATION. Name: Camberwell Masonic Hall Hermes Number: 197447

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There are more than one hundred Masonic halls in Victoria, and most of these were constructed during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They vary in size, fabric and decoration, but most conform to the design constructs of the freemasonry movement. As the design and decoration of Masonic halls adhered to quite prescriptive guidelines, many halls are comparable to the Camberwell Masonic Hall. The association of the place with the freemasonry movement can be clearly understood through the plan, form and architecture, however the same can be said for all Masonic halls throughout Victoria. As such, it cannot be said that the Camberwell Masonic Hall allows the association to be understood better than most other places with substantially the same association.

The Camberwell Masonic Hall is a good example of one of many Masonic halls constructed in Melbourne suburbs and country towns during the first half of the twentieth century. An impressive building of considered design, it demonstrates the importance of the freemasonry movement to the Camberwell community during the interwar period. It is of local architectural significance as a fine example in Camberwell of the Inter-war free Classical style.

Criterion A is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION B

Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION B

The place/object has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life of importance in Victoria’s cultural history.

Plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the

place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. Plus

The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, being one of a small number of places/objects remaining that demonstrates the important event, phase etc.

OR The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, containing unusual features of note that were not widely

replicated OR

The existence of the class of place/object that demonstrates the important event, phase etc is ENDANGERED to the point of rarity due to threats and pressures on such places/objects.


The Camberwell Masonic Hall is one of more than one hundred Masonic halls located throughout Victoria. While the architectural detailing is considered, the elements are typical of freemasonry architecture, and the building is not a rare, uncommon or unusual interpretation of freemasonry architectural constructs.

Criterion B is not likely to be satisfied.


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CRITERION C

Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION C

The: • visible physical fabric; &/or • documentary evidence; &/or

• oral history, relating to the place/object indicates a likelihood that the place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of

historical interest that is NOT CURRENTLY VISIBLE OR UNDERSTOOD. Plus

From what we know of the place/object, the physical evidence is likely to be of an INTEGRITY and/or CONDITION that it COULD YIELD INFORMATION through detailed investigation.


The visible fabric, documentary evidence and oral history of Camberwell Masonic Hall is well understood. The place is not likely to contain physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible or understood.

Criterion C is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION D

Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION D

The place/object is one of a CLASS of places/objects that has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, important person(s), custom or way of life in Victoria’s history.

Plus The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to

Victoria. Plus

The principal characteristics of the class are EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object.


The Camberwell Masonic Hall is one of the class of Masonic halls, within the broader grouping of community halls. The freemasonry movement is of historical importance to Victoria, and lodges and their associated halls have made (and continue to make) a strong contribution to their surrounding community.

The association between freemasonry and the Camberwell Masonic Hall is clearly evident in the physical fabric of the place, through the form and design of the building, and through the use of symbols and emblems relevant to freemasonry, including stone working tools, and references to classical architecture. The interiors are partially demolished however the association is still discernible through the plan, as well as applied finishes, including the use of blue as a wall colour (mostly painted or wallpapered over) and surviving chequerboard flooring in the extension at the south (rear) of the building.


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Criterion D is likely to be satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION D

The place/object is a NOTABLE EXAMPLE of the class in Victoria (refer to Reference Tool D).


While Camberwell Masonic Hall is of an impressive size, with considered design elements incorporating Masonic symbols and architectural references both internally and externally, it is one of many Masonic halls throughout Victoria. The partial demolition of the interior has resulted in the removal of some of the more significant internal elements. There are more than one hundred Masonic halls throughout Victoria. Most of these have similar qualities to Camberwell Masonic Lodge, and some surpass those exhibited at Camberwell Masonic Hall.

Criterion D is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION E

Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION E

The PHYSICAL FABRIC of the place/object clearly exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics.


The Camberwell Masonic Hall exhibits aesthetic characteristics due to its location on a rise, and its imposing form which addresses Prospect Hill Road and Station Street. It’s fine architectural detailing and symmetrical design contribute to its landmark qualities within the local vicinity.

Criterion E is likely to be satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION E

The aesthetic characteristics are APPRECIATED OR VALUED by the wider community or an appropriately-related discipline as evidenced, for example, by:

• critical recognition of the aesthetic characteristics of the place/object within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding example within Victoria; or

• wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.


The aesthetic characteristics of Camberwell Masonic Hall are appreciated by the community of Camberwell, but are not appreciated on a wider scale. The place has not received critical recognition, or wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit.

Criterion E is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.


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CRITERION F

Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION F

The place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE that clearly demonstrates creative or technical ACHIEVEMENT for the time in which it was created.

Plus The physical evidence demonstrates a HIGH DEGREE OF INTEGRITY.


The Camberwell Masonic Hall does not contain physical evidence that clearly demonstrates creative or technical achievement for the time in which it was created.

Criterion F is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION G

Strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. This includes the significance of a place to indigenous people as part of their continuing and developing cultural traditions.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION G

Evidence exists of a DIRECT ASSOCIATION between the place/object and a PARTICULAR COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUP.

(For the purpose of these guidelines, ‘COMMUNITY or CULTURAL GROUP’ is defined as a sizable group of persons who share a common and long-standing interest or identity).

Plus The ASSOCIATION between the place/object and the community or cultural group is STRONG OR SPECIAL, as

evidenced by the regular or long-term use of/engagement with the place/object or the enduring ceremonial, ritual, commemorative, spiritual or celebratory use of the place/object.


There is a direct association between the Camberwell Masonic Hall, the Camberwell Masonic Lodge, and other local freemasonry lodges who used the premises for their ceremonies, rituals and lodge meetings between 1924 and 2014. There is also an association with the Camberwell community who attended functions and events at the hall until its closure in 2014.

Criterion G is likely to be satisfied.

STEP 2: A BASIC TEST FOR DETERMINING STATE LEVEL SIGNIFICANCE FOR CRITERION G

The place/object represents a PARTICULARLY STRONG EXAMPLE of the association between it and the community or cultural group by reason of its RELATIONSHIP TO IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS in Victoria

and/or its ABILITY TO INTERPRET EXPERIENCES to the broader Victorian community.


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The Camberwell Masonic Hall has a strong association with the Camberwell Lodge itself, however this association is no stronger than the association between Masonic Halls and the lodges which meet in them throughout Victoria. The removal of important interior elements has diminished the ability to interpret freemasonry experiences to the broader Victorian community.

Criterion G is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION H

Special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.

STEP 1: A BASIC TEST FOR SATISFYING CRITERION H

The place/object has a DIRECT ASSOCIATION with a person or group of persons who have made a strong or influential CONTRIBUTION to the course of Victoria’s history.

Plus The ASSOCIATION of the place/object to the person(s) IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object

and/or in documentary resources and/or oral history. Plus

The ASSOCIATION: • directly relates to ACHIEVEMENTS of the person(s) at, or relating to, the place/object; or

• relates to an enduring and/or close INTERACTION between the person(s) and the place/object.


The Camberwell Masonic Hall has a direct association with the architects who designed it, Gawler and Drummond. The association is evident in the physical fabric of the place, however this building was one of many designed by the architectural practice, and is not recognised as one of their more distinguished works. Their architectural achievements are more clearly associated with other buildings they designed, including Grainger Museum (VHR H0875) and the chapel for the Adult Deaf Society, Jolimont (VHR H2009).

Criterion H is not likely to be satisfied.


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ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE [s.34A(2)(d)]

The Camberwell Masonic Lodge is significant as a good example of a Masonic Hall. The local level heritage values of the Camberwell Masonic Hall are reflected in its current listing in City of Boroondara Planning Scheme as HO539.

DESCRIPTION

The Camberwell Masonic Lodge is a two storey rendered brick building designed in the Interwar Free Classical style. The render is rough cast to the main body, with smooth rendered pilasters and horizontals planes. The building is located on a corner block, with a chain wire fence to the boundaries. Cypress pines are planted on either side of the entrance and various other trees, shrubs and hedges are located within the boundary.

The front elevation faces Prospect Hill Road and is symmetrically designed. It has a projecting bay with a smaller entrance bay rising through two storeys. A parapet rises above the bays and surrounds the main body of the building, which contains a hall (originally the supper room) on the lower floor and the lodge room on the upper floor.

The double entrance doors are painted blue, a colour synonymous with freemasonry, and are flanked by Ionic order columns, which in turn are flanked by engaged pilasters with a serrated Egyptian influenced detail to the uppermost sections. Eight small six-pane windows are located at the second level, and two matching windows are located on either side of the entrance. Raised rendered words and symbols are applied to the front of the building and include ‘Masonic Temple’ which is located on the entablature above the columns; the Roman numerals ‘MCMXXIV’ (1924), located above the entrance doors and symbols associated with freemasonry, including the square and compass, and the six pointed star, all located in the area between the entrance doors and the windows above.

The side elevations are simpler in detailing and divided into three bays with windows to the centre bay. The north east corner comprises a circular bay which contains stages on both levels internally.

There is a two storeyed addition at the rear of the building, with a gabled roof and rendered walls, apart from the western wall which is fibro cement sheeting.

Internally, both floors have a similar layout, with an entrance hall, flanked by toilets on either side and a staircase on the eastern side on the Ground Floor, replicated with an ante room and change rooms on the First Floor. Behind these rooms is a hall on the Ground Floor and the lodge room above. The rear wing contains a commercial kitchen on the Ground Floor and a smaller lodge room on the First Floor. Although the interiors are in the process of demolition, evidence still survives of dark stained timber architraves, doors, wall panelling and seating, all purpose designed and incorporating references to freemasonry.


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RELEVANT INFORMATION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY Boroondara City Council

HERITAGE LISTING INFORMATION

• Heritage Overlay: HO 539

• Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register: No

• Heritage Overlay Controls: External Paint: Yes

Internal Alteration: No

Tree: No

• Other listing: No

HISTORY

The history of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a world-wide male only organisation which has been meeting in an ordered structure of lodges since 1717 in Britain and since 1803 in Australia. The first Masonic lodge in Victoria was established in Melbourne in 1840 and the organisation rapidly expanded throughout Victoria during the gold rush period of the 1850s and 1860s. Lodges were usually formed by men who had been freemasons in their country of origin and as there were no religious or political affiliations, they became organisations with broad support from their local communities. In turn, the lodges and their members supported the community through charity and fund raising events and by providing meeting places at their halls.

Halls, or temples as they were often known, were established either by a single lodge, or by a number of lodges located within a region. The halls were also used by the community, and by the late nineteenth century many Melbourne suburbs, towns and regions had a Masonic hall. Due to the significant contribution the lodges made to the places in which they were located, the halls were (and continue to be) highly valued by the local communities.

Camberwell Masonic Temple

The first lodge established in the Camberwell area was the Emulation Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in 1889. The Camberwell Lodge (No. 159) was established in 1890 and from 1891 they rented rooms at the Town Hall, meeting once a month and arranging charity balls on other evenings. In 1919 the Lodge purchased the land on the corner of Prospect Hill Road and Station Street, and contracted architects Gawler and Drummond to design a hall. Construction commenced shortly after, however the Lodge had insufficient funds to continue construction, and the builder’s contract was cancelled. In 1923 a tender was called for completion of the hall, which was awarded to builder LF Lewellen. The new hall was dedicated on 12 April 1924. As with most halls, a number of different lodges from the local area also met at this hall. Two storeyed halls such as Camberwell Masonic Hall were erected where funds permitted, as they provided more privacy than single storey halls. They also allowed for an area on the ground floor where the local community could attend fundraising or charity functions, or private events. The Camberwell Masonic Hall followed this design,


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with an entrance hall flanked by cloakrooms and water closets leading to a large hall with a circular orchestra stage in the south-western corner and a kitchen and servery at the rear. The lodge room and dressing rooms were on the first floor, accessed by a staircase near the entrance. In 1935, the single storey kitchen was replaced by a two storey addition. The building was used for lodge meetings and community events until 2014 when a new Masonic Centre at Box Hill opened. At this time, a number of halls in the area were sold, including those at Camberwell, Canterbury, Blackburn and Kew. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Architect name: Gawler and Drummond

Architectural style name: Greek Revival Style

Builder name: L F Lewellen

Construction started date: 1921

Construction ended date: 1924

VICTORIAN HISTORICAL THEMES

06 Building towns, cities and the garden state 6.3 Shaping the suburbs

08 Building community life 8.4 Forming community organisations 8.5 Preserving traditions and commemorating

INTEGRITY/INTACTNESS

INTACTNESS – The exterior of the building is largely intact, while the interior has been partially demolished.

INTEGRITY – The heritage values of Camberwell Masonic Lodge are still evident through its external form and design which incorporates references to classical architectural elements and symbols associated with freemasonry. The integrity has been compromised internally through the removal or demolition of elements associated with freemasonry, including furniture, although an understanding of its past use can be discerned through the layout and partially revealed paint colours.

CONDITION

The place is in fair condition. The exterior is sound, with minor deterioration of finishes and materials. The interior is partially demolished, but there is also evidence of damp, failing plaster and painted surfaces.


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COMPARISONS

Comparison – Masonic Halls in the VHR

Emulation Hall (VHR H2298)

Emulation Hall, Canterbury is a two storey brick building constructed in 1927-28 by the Emulation Lodge No 141. It is of historical significance due to its associations with freemasonry which played an important cultural role in Victoria, and as the first purpose-built temple erected for the Emulation Lodge which was the first of its type in Victoria, named after a particular division established in England in 1823. It remained the only Emulation Lodge in Victoria until the 1930s. Emulation Hall is of architectural significance as a rare example of a hall designed in the Egyptian Revival style. The large and impressive building illustrates the popularity of freemasonry particularly after World War One, and the Egyptian Revival style reflects both the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 and the return of Australian soldiers from World War 1 with Egyptian objects. The main hall at ground level and the lodge room above are both decorated with Egyptian themed motifs, including palmette, lotus and papyrus mouldings, astrological symbols, winged solar disc and the eye of Horus.

Emulation Hall (VHR H2298) Exterior (left) and the Lodge Room (right)

Sandringham Masonic Lodge (VHR H2355)

Sandringham Masonic Hall is of historical significance due to its associations with freemasonry which played an important cultural role in Victoria. The large and substantial building illustrates the popularity of freemasonry particularly after World War I. Sandringham Masonic Hall is a rare and distinctive example of the Egyptian Revival architectural style in Victoria. There are very few buildings that adopt this style in Victoria and the Sandringham Masonic Hall is one of only three known examples of this style applied to a Masonic hall. It is of particular note as the style is applied to both the exterior and interior of the building. The adoption of the Egyptian Revival style demonstrates the ideological link between freemasonry and ancient Egypt. It reflects both the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 and the return of Australian soldiers from World War I with Egyptian objects displaying such motifs as the winged disc. Sandringham Masonic Hall is of aesthetic significance for its extensive and largely intact symbolic Egyptian-themed interior decorative scheme, particularly in the main hall, lodge room and upper foyer. It is a rare and unusual style of decoration in Victoria.


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Sandringham Masonic Lodge (VHR H2355), Exterior (left), Lodge Room and details (centre and right)

Freemasons Hall, Kyneton (VHR H1988)

The Freemasons' Hall, Kyneton is of aesthetic significance for the comprehensive, accomplished and intact Egyptian inspired interior of the Lodge meeting room. There is no known comparable freemasons hall interior in the State. It is of historical significance because it demonstrates the longstanding importance of freemasonry in the life of country towns, and because it has been in continuous use since 1866. The Freemasons Hall, Kyneton is of aesthetic and historic significance for its connection with artist, designer and teacher Thomas Fisher Levick, and is his most comprehensive integrated artistic project known to exist in the state or elsewhere.

Freemasons Hall, Kyneton (VHR H1988)

Camperdown Masonic Hall (VHR H1414)

The Camperdown Masonic Hall is historically and socially important as one of the earliest purpose-built and continuously occupied Masonic lodge buildings in Victoria. The survival of the lodge for over 130 years emphasises its important role in Camperdown society, while the building itself remains a valued venue for the Camperdown community. The Camperdown Masonic Hall is architecturally important as a rare and essentially intact early Masonic structure in Victoria, which incorporates an original temple and ante-rooms expressly designed for lodge purposes. Its strong, distinctive and finely executed Renaissance Revival style facade, with a Masonic symbol set in the parapet, emphasises the lodge's presence in the town. The hall is also one of the oldest surviving non-residential bluestone buildings in Camperdown, and is a notable work of eclectic Geelong-based architect, John Young.


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Camperdown Masonic Hall (VHR H1414)

Comparison – Masonic Halls refused registration in the VHR

Masonic Hall, Horsham (1937)

The Masonic Temple at Horsham was constructed in 1937 and is a symmetrical two-storey rendered Inter-War Free Classical style building. The most prominent feature is a two-storey entrance porch with two giant order simplified Corinthian style columns. Internally an entrance vestibule leads to a large hall on the ground floor and a modernised kitchen to the rear of this. Stairs on one side of the entrance lead to a larger vestibule upstairs and the large Masonic Hall, which retains its original 1930s furnishings featuring Masonic symbols. The Masonic Temple, Horsham was refused registration in the VHR in 2009 and referred to Horsham Rural City to be retained in the Heritage Overlay of the Horsham Rural City Planning Scheme (HO12).

Masonic Hall, Horsham

Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple, Malvern East (1922)

The former Morton Ray Masonic Temple is of local architectural significance as an interesting example in the Stonnington area of the Inter-war Free Classical style and of the work of the local architect Leslie Reed. The former Morton Ray Masonic Temple was refused registration in the VHR in 2008 and referred to the City of Stonnington for consideration. It is now included in the Heritage Overlay of the City of Stonnington Planning Scheme (HO381).


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Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple, East Malvern

Warrnambool Masonic Hall (1870) The Masonic lodge at Warrnambool first met in 1860 and constructed their hall ten years later in 1870. It is located at 32 Kepler Street. In 1996, was refused registration in the VHR in the Victorian Heritage Register and referred to the City of Warrnambool for consideration. This place is now included in the Heritage Overlay of the City of Warrnambool Planning Scheme (HO59).

Warrnambool Masonic Hall

Comparison summary

Masonic halls in the Victorian Heritage Register each have a distinction which sets them apart from Masonic Halls as a class. Sandringham Masonic Lodge and Emulation Hall are designed in Egyptian Revival style and both are rare and distinctive examples of the use of this style. Emulation Hall is also rare for its association with a particular type of Masonic lodge uncommon in Australia. The Freemason’s Hall, Kyneton is significant for it’s comprehensive, accomplished and intact Egyptian inspired interior comprising murals by Thomas Fisher Levick. There is no known comparable Freemasons hall interior in the State. The Camperdown Masonic Hall is historically and socially important as one of the oldest surviving, continuously occupied Masonic lodge buildings in Victoria, and as a notable example of the work of architect John Young. While the Camberwell Masonic Hall is a striking building in the context of the Prospect Hill Road streetscape, there are a number of Masonic halls which are comparable in size, design considerations and function, as indicated in the places which have been nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register, but were considered to be of local significance.


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KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT

Australian Dictionary of Biographies (1996) entry for John Gawler by Miles Lewis Graeme Butler (1991) Camberwell Conservation Study Lovell Chen (2008, revised 2013): Camberwell Junction Heritage Review Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2012) Expert Witness Statement to Panel Amendment C101 to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2015) Proposed Alterations and Additions, Former Masonic Centre, 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell. Assessment of Heritage Impacts. Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2016) Application for proposed demolition and alternations and additions. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell. Statement of Evidence to VCAT. Trethowan Architects (2016) Expert Witness Statement to VCAT. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell. http://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotionnews/masonic-buildings---articles-editorials-and-histories/masonic-buildings/camberwell-masonic-centre https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/our-lodges/lodge-directory/


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http://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotionnews/masonic-buildings---articles-editorials-and-histories/masonic-buildings/camberwell-masonic-centre

http://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotionnews/masonic-buildings---articles-editorials-and-histories/masonic-buildings/camberwell-masonic-centre

https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/our-lodges/lodge-directory/

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

2017 Left: Front elevation facing Prospect Hill Road.

Right: View of north-western corner.

2017 Left: South-western corner showing 1935 addition to the rear. Right: Western elevation showing the curved bay containing stages.


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2017 Front elevation showing architectural details and symbols associated with freemasonry.

2017 Left: Ground Floor, entrance with staircase to First Floor

Right: Toilet entrance, east side.


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2017 Ground Floor, hall, showing removal of doors, skirtings etc.

2017 Ground Floor, hall showing former servery hatch, and removal of doors, skirting boards, etc.


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2017 Left: Ground Floor, stage for orchestra

Right: Kitchen in the 1935 addition.

2017 Left: First Floor, stair balustrade

Right: Changing room.


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c. 2014 Left: First Floor: former lodge room before demolition works commenced.

2017 Right: former lodge room, now partially demolished.

2017 First Floor, former lodge room, now partially demolished.


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2017 First Floor, interior of 1935 wing at rear.

1923 Newspaper article describing the new Camberwell Masonic Lodge (Source: Argus, 21 June 1923, pg 7)


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1921 Ground Floor plan (Source: Public Records Office of Victoria, in Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2012) Expert Witness Statement to Panel Amendment C101 to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. 12 Prospect Hill Road,

Camberwell)

1921 First Floor plan (Source: Public Records Office of Victoria, in Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2012) Expert

Witness Statement to Panel Amendment C101 to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell)


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1935 Plan for the two storeyed extension at rear of building.

(Source: Public Records Office of Victoria, in Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd (2012) Expert Witness Statement to Panel Amendment C101 to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell)

1924 Newly completed Masonic Hall (Source: Public Records Office of Victoria, in Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd

(2012) Expert Witness Statement to Panel Amendment C101 to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. 12 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell)


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Documents

ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE AND …heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/... · documentary evidence; &/or • oral history, relating to the place/object