John Joseph Davey - Reminiscences of an architect; manuscript account written between 1890 and 1931, together with a typed transcript prepared by volunteers in the Manuscripts Section of the Mitchell Library in 1999

MLMSS 6905

fonds

1890-1931, 1999

403171

Microfilm : CY 4636, frames 14-64 (MLMSS 6905)

1 folder - 0.02 Meters
Textual Records
Textual Records - (typescript)

John Joseph Davey arrived in Sydney from England in 1855. He worked for several architects including John Goold and George Allen Mansfield before practising on his own. In his account he states that he built the Kings Hotel on the corner of Pitt and King Streets and designed the villa 'Wallaroy' for J. Edye Manning when he was 18 years old and working for John Goold. When the Institute of Architects of New South Wales was founded in 1871 Davey was one of the thirteen founding members. The Institute re-formed in 1890 with Davey as Honorary Secretary.

In his closely handwritten account Davey describes his impressions of Sydney as it was when he arrived in 1855. He goes on to comment on the world of architecture and construction in Sydney, especially before 1860. Davey names more than forty people, mostly architects, building contractors, engineers and surveyors, and comments on the professional competence and personal qualities of many of them. Architects mentioned include Edmund Blacket, Boles, W B Field, John Goold, George Hilling, John Frederick Hilly, James Hume, Oswald Lewis, William Sapsford, George Allen Mansfield and Thomas Rowe.;