Mandeville Hall, Toorak
Mandeville Hall is one of the most lavishly-decorated of Melbourne's 19th century mansions. The first house to be built on the site, St George s, was a two-storey brick residence of 12 rooms constructed in 1869 for Alfred Watson, a prosperous Melbourne merchant.Joseph Clarke acquired the property in 1876 and engaged Charles Webb to undertake additions which gave a boom style extravagance to the more austere, classical appearance of the earlier house and which increased its size to 30 rooms. The ornate facade and front portion with grand entrance hall and conservatory, oak parlour, Indian room and exotic bathroom date from this period.
Mandeville Hall is of architectural significance for its associations with the important 19th century architect, Charles Webb. As well as designing many churches, schools, warehouses and other buildings, Webb was responsible for the design of a number of fine residences, including Tasma Terrace in East Melbourne. Mandeville Hall is a lavish example of his work, and illustrates the development of the Italianate style as a form of architecture expressive of the wealth of Melbourne s elite.
Mandeville Hall is a manifestation of the wealth of the affluent and socially prominent Clarke family. The Clarkes were not only great landowners and directors of some major colonial financial institutions, but were leading figures in the social life of the colony, patrons of the arts and well-known philanthropists. Joseph Clarke (1834-1895), was the owner of Mandeville Hall from 1876 until his death. The youngest son of the Hon. W.J.T. Clarke, MLC, Joseph had inherited the management of Norton-Mandeville and other family properties in Tasmania. He came to Victoria in 1874 following his father s death. During his subsequent ownership of Mandeville Hall, Joseph owned a number of large pastoral properties in South Australia, Queensland and New Zealand and was an active company director and Governor of the colonial bank of Australasia.
Location: 10 Mandeville Crescent, Toorak, Vic.
