South Brisbane Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Brisbane Library |
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Building in 2015
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| Location | 472 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1881 - 1902 |
| Architect | Francis Drummond Greville Stanley |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: South Brisbane Library (former), College / South Brisbane Municipal Library and School of Arts, Mechanics Institute and Library / South Brisbane Technical, South Brisbane Post and Telegraph / Office South Brisbane | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600302 |
| Significant period | 1880s - 1900s (historical) 1880s - 1910s (fabric) 1880s - 1970s (social) |
| Significant components | post office, library - building, hall - concert |
| Builders | W Macfarlane |
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The South Brisbane Library is an old building in South Brisbane, Australia. It is special because it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is an important part of Queensland's history and culture.
The building was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built between 1881 and 1902. It has been known by many names over the years, including the South Brisbane School of Arts and the South Brisbane Post & Telegraph Office. Today, it is home to the Griffith University Film School, which is part of the Queensland College of Art.
Contents
What is the History of the South Brisbane Library?
The South Brisbane Library building is actually made up of three different parts. Each part was built at a different time for a different purpose. These parts include the South Brisbane Post Office (built in 1881), the South Brisbane Municipal Library (built around 1897), and the City Concert Hall (built in 1902).
The First Building: A Post Office
The first part of the building was the South Brisbane Post Office. It was designed by FDG Stanley, and W Macfarlane was the builder. The post office itself was a single room on the ground floor.
Upstairs, there were three bedrooms and a verandah for the postmaster to live in. The basement had a dining room, kitchen, and another bedroom. The front of the building had a classic look with arches and an open verandah.
In late 1889, the Post and Telegraph Office closed. The building then became the South Brisbane Mechanics Institute and Library. A Mechanics Institute was a place where working people could learn and read. In 1893, the local government, the South Brisbane Town Council, took over the site.
Adding the Library and College
Around 1897, the council built a new section on the corner of the site. This new part, along with the old post office, became known as the South Brisbane Municipal Library and Technical College. A Technical College taught practical skills and trades. John Henry Burley is thought to be the architect for this section.
The Concert Hall is Built
The third part of the complex was the concert hall, designed by Alexander Brown Wilson in 1902. This large building also had classrooms for the Technical College in its basement.
In 1909, the council received a collection of artwork from Richard John Randall. At the same time, the Queensland Government took over the Technical College. This meant many classrooms became empty. The council decided to turn the library on the first floor into an art gallery to display the Randall collection.
Architect George David Payne was hired to change the old library into the Randall Art Gallery. He also made the concert hall and supper room bigger. Around 1911, the hall was extended to fit 600 people, and the supper room could hold 400. The art gallery officially opened in July 1914.
Between 1910 and 1920, the post office section of the building was updated. Its front was covered, and the outside was smoothed over.
Later Years and New Uses
In 1925, the larger Brisbane City Council took over the building. The library continued to operate until 1973. However, the Randall art collection was moved to the Brisbane City Hall. The concert hall remained very popular, especially during the Second World War (1939–45).
Between 1973 and about 1987, the building was not used and became run down. It was fixed up for World Expo '88, a big international event held in Brisbane. It was used as a convention centre and a special club. The outside was painted, and the inside was changed a lot to create two large conference rooms and club areas. The old Post Office section was turned into modern offices, and new concrete stairs were added.
Today, the building is home to the Griffith University Film School. This school is part of the Queensland College of Art.
What Does the South Brisbane Library Look Like?
The old South Brisbane Library building is in a historic area near South Brisbane Memorial Park. It is across from the former South Brisbane Town Hall and close to the old South Brisbane Railway Easement and the South Brisbane Dry Dock (Queensland Maritime Museum). Other important places nearby include Cumbooquepa (Somerville House) and the Ship Inn.
The building is actually three connected buildings. The first two parts, the old Post Office and the Library, both face Stanley Street. They both have similar pointed roofs (called gable roofs) and decorative lines (string courses) that show where the two floors are. The third part, the old City Concert Hall, is a single-story building that faces Dock Street. Both the hall and the corner building are made of bricks of different colors (polychromatic brick) and have matching arched windows.
The Old Post Office Section
The first part, built in 1881, is a two-story brick building with a basement. It has a hipped roof, which slopes on all sides, and a small gable (gablet) on top. There used to be a decorative band (frieze) above the verandah roof. The front of the building has windows with many small panes of glass. It also has two angled bay windows and a sloping verandah roof supported by large wooden supports (brackets).
The Corner Building (Library)
The section built in the 1890s, on the corner, is a brick building with an uneven design. It has a gable roof and a small gablet similar to the post office. There is also a tower on the southern corner. When the building was renovated for World Expo '88, the inside was carpeted and painted. A new staircase was added from the front entrance to the first floor, and new decorative wooden supports (fretwork brackets) were installed.
The Concert Hall Section
The third part, built in 1902, is a long, rectangular building at the back. It has light-colored horizontal lines and arched windows. The roof is made of corrugated iron and has a continuous raised vent along the top to let air out. Inside, the lower parts of the walls are covered with timber panels (dados). The ceilings are sloped plaster, and the stage has a simple arch (proscenium stage). French doors open onto a verandah.
During the Expo renovations, a gallery and a new verandah were also added to the building.
Why is the South Brisbane Library Important?
The former South Brisbane Library was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it meets certain important standards.
Showing Queensland's History
The building is important because it shows how South Brisbane has changed over time. It was a post office, a place for learning (mechanic's institute and technical college), a library, an art gallery, and a concert hall. It helps us remember the history and identity of the South Brisbane community. It also shows where Stanley Street, which was a very busy street in the late 1800s and early 1900s, used to be.
An Example of its Kind
Even though the inside has been updated, the old concert hall is still a great example of an early 20th-century auditorium. It was designed to be comfortable in Queensland's warm climate.
Beautiful and Important to the Area
The building looks good as a whole, even though it was built in different stages by at least three different architects. It is a significant landmark and adds beauty to the historic area around South Brisbane Memorial Park. It also looks impressive from the river, adding to the view of the city.
Connected to Important People
The building is a good example of the public work done by the Brisbane architect AB Wilson.
