The Victorian Period (1850-1900)
General FeaturesAsymmetrical Larger windows with larger panes Wider use of building materials including decorative cast iron, corrugated roofing iron, plaster and timber weatherboards Extensive use of verandahs and sunscreen devices Often bay windows Often finials and cresting to the roof |
General InfluencesSome houses were still built along Colonial lines but this period saw a break from symmetry. In most cases, a section of the house was thrust forward to produce an L-shaped plan. Corrugated galvanised iron sheeting was introduced in the 1850’s and larger windows were produced by new glass making techniques. Cement improved as a building material. Sudden wealth from gold enabled the use of these new technologies. |
Victorian Gothic (1850-1880)
FeaturesSteeply pitched roof gables (45 to 60 deg) Elaborately carved timber bargeboards and fretwork The use of pointed arch forms in verandah decoration and windows Tall chimneys with ‘sculptured chimney pots’. Often narrow easement windows with leadlight panes |
InfluencesVictorian Gothic was a scholarly adaptation of the earlier Regency Gothic which then became popular in ordinary housing. Gothic taste is equated with a romantic view of the world and nostalgia for England. |
Victorian Italianate (1850-1880)
FeaturesClassical mouldings around windows doors and brackets under eaves Often a square tower to one side Often multi storied Ornamental chimneys Elaborate four panel doors Mosaic tile or marble porch and hall floors Coloured and etched glass windows Plastered walls |
InfluencesOnce again the style was copied from Britain. The British had borrowed it from the grand country houses of the Italian Renaissance. The Italianate style had a certain grandeur, even in smaller houses, which appealed to the Victorians. As the century progressed, the style became increasingly decorative. |
Late Victorian or Boom Style (1870-1890)
FeaturesHeavily ornamented facades using the wide variety or materials available; plaster, stone, coloured bricks, terra-cotta, mosaic tiles, marble, etc. often all together on one building or alternatively, the entire exterior plastered and painted The merging of a variety of styles eg. Gothic and Italianate. Leadlight windows The kitchen, bathroom and laundry were incorporated into a service wing at the rear |
InfluencesThis was the period of economic boom. Mass production of formerly hand crafted itmes made decorative features available to everyone. Cast iron lace work was made locally and used liberally. The new railways distributed these materials throughout the State. Parapets rich in decoration were also widely used to hide galvanized roofing. Other roofs were usually patterned slate or zinc tiles. The construction of terraced houses which had been built in the inner suburbs since the 1840’s reached a peak during this period. |
