#lydiardst

[chrismbr]

The south end of #Ballarat’s #LydiardSt is an unexpected polychrome brickwork precinct. The Gaol, 1856-62, replaced decaying ship hulks in Port Phillip. The fearsome corner tower reflects the importance of law & punishment (the Eureka rebellion happened in 1854) as does the literally subsumed former Supreme Court (c.1867). Gay bushranger Captain Moonlite escaped from here in 1872. It became part of the neighbouring polychrome School of Mines (founded 1870, now Federation Uni). (at Ballarat Gaol)

[chrismbr]

The only ‘recent’ intrusion on #Ballarat’s #LydiardSt is the 1960s AMP Building. It might be completely different to its neighbours but does have a #TomBass sculpture & the tiling is contextual (gold, geddit?) Also the local MP is emphatically #yes #voteyes (at Lydiard Street)

[chrismbr]

#Ballarat’s #LydiardSt is a remarkable surviving C19th streetscape, and includes many notable individual building too (as well as the Post Office) including several banks by Leonard Terry, & the National Mutual Life Assurance, 1904 with its octagonal lift tower, by JJ Clark & son. (at Lydiard Street)