RS Exton and Co Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RS Exton and Co Building |
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R. S. Exton House, 2012
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| Location | 333 Ann Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900–1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1907 |
| Architect | Claude William Chambers |
| Official name: Former RS Exton and Co Building (Part), Ace House | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 17 December 1999 |
| Reference no. | 601142 |
| Significant period | 1900s (fabric) 1907–1940s (historical use) |
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The RS Exton and Co Building is a special heritage-listed building facade located at 333 Ann Street in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by the architect Claude William Chambers and built in 1907. Today, only its front part (the facade) remains. This building is also known as Ace House and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on December 17, 1999.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
The RS Exton and Co Building was built in 1907. It was the main office and warehouse for a famous company called RS Exton and Co. This company was well-known for its painting, decorating, and glasswork. The building was designed by a Brisbane architect named Claude W Chambers. Sadly, most of the building was taken down recently, and only its front wall (facade) is left.
Robert Exton and His Business
Robert Skerrett Exton was a very busy painter, decorator, and glazier (someone who works with glass). He worked in Brisbane from 1882 until 1921. In 1882, Robert Exton started a business with George Gough. Both men came from England. Exton had already been working with glass in Brisbane since the 1870s.
The partnership between Exton and Gough helped the business grow a lot. They offered many services for homes and businesses. These included painting, decorating, and even making signs. They also sold paint and imported fancy wallpapers and special art glass from Europe. In the 1880s, they even started a department to make stained glass, which was the only one of its kind in Queensland!
Famous Projects and Artistry
Exton and Gough quickly became known for their excellent work. They were hired for many important projects, such as:
They also created beautiful stained glass windows for churches like St Stephen's Cathedral and St Patrick's Church in Fortitude Valley. Later, in the 1900s, Exton worked on the Brisbane City Hall and the Regent Theatre.
Building on Ann Street
After the partnership with George Gough ended, Robert Exton formed a new company called RS Exton and Co. He then built the warehouse at 333 Ann Street to continue his business. Robert Exton bought the land in April 1907.
The building's design is believed to be by Claude W Chambers. The original building had a brick front with a large round arch in the middle. It also had smaller arches and decorative details like Greek key patterns and classical designs.
Ann Street was a popular location for businesses in the early 1900s. The Central railway station was built nearby, and many hotels, businesses, and churches were in the area. Over the years, more important buildings like the Masonic Temple and Brisbane City Hall were built on Ann Street. This made Ann Street a very important street in Brisbane.
Focus on Stained Glass
RS Exton and Co continued to offer painting and decorating services. But they also grew their stained and leaded glass business. In 1913, a talented artist named Herbert M. Smyrk joined them to manage the leadlight department. He had worked with famous artists in London before.
The stained glass windows made by RS Exton and Co were very high quality. They were influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement, especially the work of Edward Burne-Jones. The company started to focus more on designing and making glass for churches and homes.
They hired young artists to design the stained glass. One of the most famous was William Bustard, who started in 1921. He worked for RS Exton and Co until the glass studio closed in 1958. Bustard created many beautiful stained glass pieces found in churches all over Queensland.
Later Years and Demolition
The company expanded in the 1910s or 1920s, adding another building next to the original warehouse. However, this building has since been demolished. Robert Exton passed away in 1921. The business faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s and World War II. The glass department eventually closed in 1958.
Most of the RS Exton and Co building, except for its front facade, was taken down in the late 1980s or early 1990s. The land was empty for many years until a new office tower, "333 Ann St," was built there in the mid-2000s.
What the Building Looks Like
The remaining part of the RS Exton and Co Building is its facade (front wall). It is on the southeastern side of Ann Street. This facade fits in with other older, smaller buildings nearby, like the Masonic Hall and St Andrew's Uniting Church.
The facade is built with face brick in a pattern called English bond, and it has decorative details made of rendered (smooth plaster) material. At the top, there's a parapet (a low wall) with a raised central section that looks like a pediment (a triangular shape often seen on classical buildings). This pediment has the date "A. 1907. D" written on it. On either side of the pediment, you can see the words "RS Exton and Co".
The facade has a large, round-arched recess in the middle that goes from the ground up almost to the top. On each side of this central arch, there are two narrower, round-arched recesses. These arches are decorated with rendered keystones (the wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch) and horizontal lines called string courses.
Why It's Important: Heritage Listing
The former RS Exton and Co Building was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on December 17, 1999. This means it is considered very important because:
Demonstrating Queensland's History
This building's facade is the only known part left of the RS Exton and Co business. This company was very important in Queensland's history. They were responsible for painting, decorating, and creating stained glass for many famous buildings in the 1800s and early 1900s. The facade helps us remember their work and how the state developed.
Aesthetic Significance
The RS Exton and Co Building has a well-designed facade that is beautiful and architecturally valuable. It adds to the look and quality of this part of Ann Street. Its design shows the style of buildings from that time period.
Association with Important People
The remaining facade shows the spirit and importance of the RS Exton and Co company. Its location on Ann Street and its detailed design remind us of the significant work this company did in Queensland.
