The Australia Hotel, photographs and drawings, ca. 1890s-1960s

fonds

Graphic Materials, Architectural and Technical Drawings, Drawings, Photographs

839991

The Australia Hotel, located at 45 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, operated from 1891 until its closure in 1971 before it was demolished to make way for the MLC Centre. The hotel was known for its grand opulence, catering for those who were seeking a hotel of an international standard. Guests included the Ballet Russe, Dame Nellie Melba, Alfred Hitchcock, Kathryn Hepburn, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

The hotel underwent two significant renovations during its lifetime. In 1921 three additional floors were added and then in 1936 a new wing fronting Martin Place, designed by architect Emil Sodersten, was also added.

Reference
'A peerless institution' / Sarah Barns, Art and About, http://thelastdrinksproject.com/the-australia-hotel2/ (accessed 11-06-2013)

Item 01: Perspective drawing of Australia Hotel / by C. Bruce Dellit

PXD 1339
1.Mounted drawing of Martin Place entrance to the hotel designed by architect Emil Soderstein. Inscribed on verso: "Mr E. Sodersten".

2. Mounted photograph of Sir Robert Menzies being served by a waiter and holding the menu for 'The Golden Jubilee of the Commonwealth Bank, Australia Hotel, 16th July 1962'

3. Mounted photograph of the construction of the Australia Hotel titled, "Mammoth Scaffolding, The Australia Hotel, Sydney"

Pic.Acc. Upgrade Project - Innformation transferred from Pic.Acc.2385 as part of the eRecords Project 2012-13

No date; dated approximately by photographs of the hotel's renovation in 1920, and by sketches of motor cars in the foreground.