Series 01: Leslie Buckland papers, ca. 1828-1976

MLMSS 8589

series

ca. 1828-1976, predominant 1961-1976

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Architectural and Technical Drawings

153756

0.65 metres of textual material (4 boxes)

Leslie James Buckland was honorary architect of the National Trust on the restoration of Experiment Farm Cottage and Old Government House Parramatta.

Experiment Farm cottage stands on the site of the first land grant in Australia, made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to the former convict James Ruse. The Indian-style bungalow there today was built by Surgeon John Harris, who purchased the land from Ruse in 1793 for £ 40. It is thought to have been built by c1835. It is one of Australia’s oldest standing properties and features in an 1837 sketch and subsequent watercolour by Conrad Martens. Experiment Farm Cottage was purchased in 1961 by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and was the first NSW National Trust–owned property

Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building. Set high on a hill in Parramatta Park, this Georgian House was for seven decades, the ‘country’ residence of 10 early governors of the colony, including Governor and Mrs Macquarie from 1810 to 1821. In 1788, Governor Phillip explored the site and two years later a cottage was built. In 1799, Governor John Hunter commenced building a two storey Georgian residence. The architect is thought to have been former convict James Bloodsworth.

The 1815 extensions were designed by Governor and Mrs Macquarie’s Aide, Lieutenant John Watts who transformed the house into an elegant Palladian style residence. Francis Greenway designed the portico on the front façade of the building. In 1921, Sir Thomas Brisbane succeeded Macquarie’s successor built an observatory in the park by the house.

In 1845, the New Government House was opened and become the main residence for succeeding Governers. In 1846, a tragic accident involving Governor Fitzroy’s wife Lady Marry Fitzroy bought an end to its use as a residence and was put in private hands. In 1909 extensive restoration of the building was undertaken by government and leased to the King’s School. In 1967, it was vested in the National Trust of Australian by an act of parliament. Soon after restoration work began.

References:
Compiled from the collection
National Trust of Australia (NSW). http://www.nationaltrust.com.au (viewed 4 July 2012)

Papers, phtoographs and architectural drawings relating to the restoration of Experiment Farm Cottage and Old Government House, Parramatta:

BOX 1
Correspondence file including legal contracts, newscuttings and plans relating to the restoration of Experiment Farm Cottage, 1963-1965

Newscuttings relating to the history of Old Government House Parramatta, ca. 1970

BOXES 1-2
Photographs documenting restoration work at Old Government House Parramatta, Round House in Parramatta National Park and Elizabeth Farm House, ca. 1967

BOX 2
Correspondence, architect and buidlers reports and specifications for the National Trust of Australia NSW relating to the history and restoration of Old Government House Parramatta, ca. 1962-1970

Agenda and chairman’s notes for National Trust of Australia (NSW ) Parramatta Properties Committee meeting, 1970

Architects reports and specifications for the National Trust of Australia NSW relating to the restoration of Experiment Farm Cottage, ca. 1962-1970. Includes attendance register, 1963-1965

Architectural roof plan for Old Government House Parramatta, 1967

BOX 3
Correspondence and account statements with builders Harvey and Sons, ca. 1967-1971

Notes, newsclippings, letters and registers relating to historic buildings in Sydney National Trust of Australia (NSW), ca. 1961-1970

Correspondence mainly between National Trust architects and builders relating to Old Government House Parramatta, 1967-1970

BOXES 3-4
Correspondence relating to Experiment Farm Cottage, 1966-1970

BOX 4
Minutes of the meeting of the Executive and Old Governmenrt House Restoration Committee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1967-1970

Accounts of National Trust of Australia (NSW), ca. 1972-1975

Correspondence files, including newscuttings, reports, notes, floor plans and minutes of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) mainly relating to plans and development proposals for Parramatta, restoration of Old Government House and building inspections, ca. 1961-1976

Correspondence between National Trust of Australia (NSW), builders and architects relating to Experiment Farm Cottage, 1966-1970

Envelope to ? Hughes Inspector of Roads and Bridges, Parramatta, ca. 1828

Two architectural drawings/floor plans of Old Government House Parramatta by W. Hardy Morphett, 1931

Legal agreement and commission contract between National Trust of Australia (NSW) and the builder Robert Stanley Muldoon relating to the restoration of Old Government House Parramatta, 1967

Deed of partnership between Leslie James Buckland and Charles Crickmer Druce, 1939

Building contract between Leonard Vidler and Hedley V. Horwood for Cottage residence, 1926

Tourist brochures and newscuttings relating to historical buildings and societies in Sydney, ca. 1955-1956, 1964-1970

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012