Image: Victorian Artists' Society Melbourne

Description: The Victorian Artists Society is architecturally significant as an early expression of the American Romanesque style in Victoria. The style in Australia was strongly influenced by prominent American architects, notably Sullivan and Richardson. This new style represented a shift from the traditional European architectural influences of the Classical and Gothic styles, and was a conscious identification to the New World. It was significant as one approach in the search for a national style of architecture appropriate to Australia. The Victorian Artists Society has a skilfully executed decorative scheme with decorative mouldings, half columns and foliated panels. It is one of the few surviving works of architect Richard Speight. The Victorian Artists Society is socially significant as an academy for painters and sculptors. Many of Victoria's prominent artists have been associated with the Society and the building over a continuous period of more than 120 years. Prominent members included Chevalier, von Guerard, Buvelot, Streeton, Roberts and Conder. (Source: Heritage Victoria)
Title: Victorian Artists' Society Melbourne
Credit: Victorian Artist's Society, East Melbourne Australi
Author: Rexness from Melbourne, Australia
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes