Isidor George Beaver facts for kids

Isidor George Beaver (born December 1859 – died October 24, 1934) was a talented architect from England. He had a very successful career designing buildings in Adelaide, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. He was also important in the early history of ice skating in Australia.

Isidor Beaver's Early Life and Career

National Mutual Life building (1893)

Isidor Beaver's father was Louis Beaver from Manchester, England. Isidor moved to Australia and started his architecture office in Adelaide around 1884.

He later joined two other architects, Edmund Wright and James Henry Reed. Together, they formed a company called Wright, Reed & Beaver. In 1886, their design for the Jubilee Exhibition Building won second prize in a competition.

In 1889, their company won another design competition. This time, it was for a new building in Melbourne for the National Mutual Life Association. This large, eight-story building is now known as Goode House. It is currently home to the Bank of New Zealand Australia. Isidor Beaver moved to Melbourne to manage this big project.

Beaver's Architectural Work in Melbourne

The partnership of Wright, Reed & Beaver ended in 1893. Isidor Beaver stayed in Melbourne and continued his architectural work. He had offices on Queen Street and later on Collins Street.

In 1915, another architect named Arthur William Purnell joined him. They formed a new company called Beaver & Purnell. This partnership lasted for ten years until 1925.

One of their most famous designs was the Wattle Path Palais de Danse. This building opened in 1922 and was one of the biggest dance halls in the world. Later, it became a film studio. In 1939, it was transformed into the St. Moritz Ice-skating Palais, a popular ice rink that stayed open until 1982.

Isidor Beaver passed away at his home in Armadale, Victoria, in 1934. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Architectural Projects by Isidor Beaver

Isidor Beaver worked on many important buildings throughout his career:

• He helped design additions to the Masonic Hall in Waymouth Street, Adelaide.
• He designed a large house in Stirling West, near the Mount Lofty railway station. This house was built for William Milne, jun.
• He oversaw the construction of the National Mutual Life building in Melbourne.
• He designed additions to the Fourth Victorian Building Society's building on Collins Street in 1894.
• He designed the Outpatients' wards at the Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne. These opened in 1902. Nine years later, he designed their operating theatre.
• He designed the first wooden building for the Toorak Bowling Club in 1914. This building is still standing today and is considered a heritage site.
• The "Carinya" mansion in Toorak, Victoria, built in 1926, was designed by Beaver and Purnell.

Isidor Beaver's Other Interests and Hobbies

Isidor Beaver had many interests outside of architecture:

• He taught technical drawing classes at the School of Design (Adelaide) starting in 1889.
• He enjoyed sailing his yacht, Bonita, as a member of the Holdfast Bay Yacht Club. He also liked competitive swimming in the Glenelg pool.
• From 1901, he enjoyed riding horses with the Melbourne Hunt Club. He continued riding regularly almost until his death.
• He was a member of the Toorak Bowling Club from 1913.

Isidor Beaver and Ice Skating

Isidor Beaver was an expert ice skater. He was a member of the Original London Skating Club. He also played a big role in saving the Melbourne Glaciarium, a major ice rink in Melbourne.

In 1926, the Glaciarium was facing closure. Isidor Beaver and a group of others formed a company to take over its lease. This company became Glaciarium Ltd. The Glaciarium was very successful and made a profit almost every year until the 1950s.

Isidor Beaver was also the president of the National Ice Skating Association in 1928. He was also president of the Victorian Ice Skating Association in 1932. He strongly supported ice hockey. One of the first four ice hockey teams in Melbourne (and in Australia) was even named "The Beavers" because of his support!

Isidor Beaver's Family Life

Isidor Beaver never married. The main person who received money from his will was his niece.