Hardy Brothers Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hardy Brothers Building |
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Hardy Brothers Building, 2014
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| Location | 116 Queen Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | Richard Gailey |
| Architectural style(s) | Italianate |
| Official name: Hardy Brothers, Love's Auction Mart | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600138 |
| Significant period | 1881 (fabric) c. 1895-1979 (historical) |
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The Hardy Brothers Building is a special old shop located at 116 Queen Street in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It's considered a "heritage-listed" building, which means it's important to history and protected. A famous architect named Richard Gailey designed it, and it was built way back in 1881. For a while, it was also known as Love's Auction Mart. This building was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's Story
How the Building Started
The Hardy Brothers Building was built in 1881. It was mainly used for a business called Love's Auction Mart. The land it stands on was owned by a well-known Brisbane architect, Richard Gailey.
Before this building, the area was part of the old convict barracks. These barracks were torn down, and the land was sold. Richard Gailey bought his piece of land in April 1881. By June, construction had already started on this two-story brick building. It had strong stone foundations. The ground floor was designed to be an auction mart for David Love. Richard Gailey himself used some office space on the top floor. Because he owned the land and had an office there, it's very likely Gailey designed the building himself.
Changes Over Time
In 1888, a company called Wilson and Southerden, which imported iron goods, moved into the building. Before they moved in, they made some big changes. They rebuilt part of the front of the building, adding a grand archway on the ground floor. People at the time said it was the best archway in the city!
In 1894, Richard Gailey transferred the building's ownership to the Australian Mutual Provident Society.
Hardy Brothers Arrive
The famous jewellery company, Hardy Brothers, first leased the ground and basement floors in 1894. They were John, Samuel, and Arthur Morley Hardy. In October 1895, the Hardy brothers bought the entire building. For a few years in the late 1890s, a photography supply company, Baker and Rouse, shared the ground floor. A lawyer named WT Atthow had offices on the first floor.
Over the years, many different businesses used the upper floor. Then, in 1963, Gardams Trading Pty Ltd leased the space. An opening was even made in the wall to connect it to the nearby Gardams Building.
Hardy Brothers sold the building in 1979. However, the company that took over kept the "Hardy Brothers" name for their business there for a while. Hardy Brothers later moved to a new location on Queen Street. Today, in 2016, the building is home to the Bank of Queensland.
What the Building Looks Like
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The Hardy Brothers Building is a two-story building with a basement. It's built mostly from brick covered in a plaster-like material called stucco. It sits on a strong stone foundation. The building shows off the Italianate style, which was popular during the Victorian era.
The Front of the Building
The lower part of the building's front, facing Queen Street, has changed many times. However, the upper part is still mostly the same as it was originally. The upper level has three large, rounded window openings. The middle arch is bigger than the two on its sides. Originally, this central arch had two smaller arches supported by a thin Corinthian column. Above that was a small round window. The original sash windows have been replaced with large casements.
Between these three window openings are flat, decorative columns called pilasters. These pilasters have fancy capitals at the top, in the Corinthian style. Below each window is a decorative railing, or balustrade, with round designs called roundels, each with a flower-like rosette in the center. Above the arches, there's a continuous decorative band with flower patterns.
The roofline has a prominent cornice (a decorative molding) with a row of small block-like shapes called dentils. There are also four sets of fancy double brackets supporting the cornice. Above the cornice is an ornate parapet (a low wall at the edge of the roof). The center of the parapet has a triangular pediment with three arched recesses that match the windows below. The rest of the parapet has a railing with small arched balusters. At each end of the parapet, there's a pedestal holding a decorative vase. Another vase stands at the very top of the central pediment.
Ground Floor Changes
The ground floor originally had three arched openings. But by the 1890s, a modern shopfront made of steel and glass had been put in. This shopfront has been changed many times over the years to suit different businesses. For example, a new shopfront was designed by Lange Powell in 1914. Today, the street level has a doorway set back from the street, a large plate glass window, and a modern cantilevered awning (a roof-like cover).
Inside the Building
Inside, the first floor of the Hardy Brothers Building is connected to its next-door neighbor, the Gardams Building. In the basement, you can still see parts of the original stone walls. There are also brick walls that divide spaces and the original timber structure supporting the floor above.
This building is part of a group of well-preserved Victorian-era buildings on Queen Street. Because of this, it adds a lot to the historical look and feel of the street.
Why is it Heritage Listed?
The Hardy Brothers Building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's recognized as an important historical place for several reasons:
Showing Queensland's History
The building is a great example of how Queen Street developed in the early 1880s. This development happened after the old convict barracks were removed and the land was sold off.
A Special Type of Building
It shows the main features of a commercial building from the late 1800s. It has beautiful Italianate decorations. It also looks great as part of a group of other commercial buildings from the 1880s that are still standing on Queen Street.
Its Beautiful Design
The building is important because of its beautiful design. Its detailed Italianate style makes a strong contribution to the look of Queen Street. It stands out as part of a group of well-preserved commercial buildings from the 1880s.
Connected to Important People and Groups
The building has a strong and long-lasting connection with the company Hardy Brothers. It also has a special link to the Brisbane architect Richard Gailey, who owned and used the building.
Images for kids
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Hardy Brothers Building, 2014
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Upper level, Hardy Brothers Building, 2009
