hen British colonists first established a constructed from sandstone quarried from the Wsmall settlement on the land of the banks of the River Derwent at Bridgewater and Mouheneenner people on the western shore of from the slopes of Knocklofty in West . the River Derwent in February 1804, they chose The government stipulated that the design of the small hillside above to set up the new Town Hall had to impart an appropriate their tents. These temporary canvas dwellings civic quality, and imposed a condition upon the soon gave way to buildings of brick and timber. Council that “the Municipal Body should impart The house of the colony’s first Lieutenant- to the Building a front which will befit the Street Governor, David Collins (1756-1810) was located and the character of a Town Hall.” near the alignment of Macquarie Street, near The new building comprised the main Town where parked motorcycles now straddle the Hall auditorium (originally called the Assembly centre of Elizabeth Street. Hall), the Mayor’s Court, offices of the Mayor, Government House, Hobart, 1840. TMAG AG1967 The small house gradually evolved into a Town Clerk, Accountant and Collector, strong rambling architectural pile of buildings and room, two cloakrooms, grand staircase, anteroom outhouses, spreading from Argyle Street toward and municipal chamber. The original Council the far side of the present . This Chamber is now the principal committee room, somewhat ramshackle vice-regal residence was renamed the Lady Osborne Room in honour of home to successive governors until the new Lady (Esma) Osborne. Lady Osborne was Lady Government House was constructed on the Mayoress of Hobart from 1959 until 1970, during Queen’s Domain in the 1850s. which time she represented the City at many The old government house was then civic receptions. Lady Osborne was a talented demolished, Elizabeth Street extended toward the pianist, and was keenly interested in women’s A site is waterfront and the newly-created block between organisations. Elizabeth and Argyle streets offered to the The Town Hall also housed the Public Library, fledgling Council as the site of a new Town Hall. with a separate entrance off Macquarie Street.

Ballroom of Government House, used as a At first, the Council operated a makeshift town The library was located toward the rear of the temporary Town Hall, 1859. TAHO NS1013-1-1726 hall out of the remnant ballroom from the old Elizabeth Street wing, in the room now used as government house, which was the only structure the Council Chamber. chosen left standing on the site. The Town Hall site has been the centre of The foundation stone of the new Town Hall administration in central Hobart for more than was laid in April 1864. The building was 200 years.

Front cover: Town Hall 1938, Ben Sheppard MUNICIPAL MAGNIFICENCE photograph Dennison Collection MUNICIPAL MAGNIFICENCE THE 1866–2016 PETER FREEMAN Peter Freeman is an architect, historian and The completion of the Hobart Town Hall illustrator, based on the south coast of NSW, BRENDAN LENNARD & KATHRYN EVANS in 1866 marked a significant achievement who has always had close family links with for the newly established City Council. Laying the Foundation Stone, 14 April 1864. . Peter has been the author / The building represented a proud landmark compiler / illustrator of fourteen publications in the life of the fledgling Council, housing about architectural history and conservation, the council chambers, public library, police TMAG Q2001.15.2.29 local history and biography, and was offices and courtroom together with other shortlisted in 2014 for the NSW Premier’s important municipal functions. The new History Award for his publication The edifice also provided a much needed home Wallpapered Manse. His most recent publication was an illustrated history of for broader community activities and Domain House in the . events. The sesquicentenary of the completion of the Town Hall provides us The first tents are erected at Sullivans Cove, Brendan Lennard is the ’s senior with the opportunity to acknowledge the cultural heritage officer. He has a particular progress and achievements of the past one The first Government House, between interest in the musical heritage of the Town hundred and fifty years. The anniversary February 1804. SLNSW SV6B/Sull C/1 Hall and its grand concert organ. He was a also allows us to honour the contributions member of the Hobart Choral and made by so many people over the years to Macquarie Street and Sullivans Cove, 1827. Philharmonic Society in the 1970s and has attended hundreds of Town Hall concerts and our beautiful city. This publication proudly recitals over the years. documents the rich and varied history of TAHO, AF394-1-170 the Town Hall and its place in the life of Dr Kathryn Evans is a Hobart-based historian PETER FREEMAN the City of Hobart. This book celebrates with a special interest in researching and the ‘home’ of municipal government in documenting Tasmania’s historic heritage and Tasmania’s capital city and commemorates the stories connected with that heritage. She its significant role in community and has been involved in a wide range of research and interpretative projects, publications and municipal activities over the years. Elizabeth Street is extended and the Town Hall displays on significant Tasmanian historicGovernment House superimposed on the current sites and buildings. site is fenced, 1859. TAHO AUTAS001125643312w800 street layout. The ballroom is in a darker shade. Brendan Lennard plan, based on TAHO PWD266/116, Hobart Chart 6

and HCC detail plan sheets ISBN 978-0-9807102-8-1

9 780980 710281 >

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This supplement uses images and text from the new City of Hobart book, Municipal Magnificence: The Hobart Town Hall 1866-2016, courtesy of the authors, editors, illustrators and publishers. Images have been used with the permission of the relevant institutions. Text by Peter Freeman and Brendan Lennard. Supplement design by Mark Stansall. Hunter’s perspective of the proposed building. TMAG Q11287

Henry Hunter (1832-1892). The tale of TAHO PH30-1-1050 two Henrys

he Hobart Town Hall is one of the oldest competition, Bastow’s design was not finally Royal Society Museum, which still stands on the has an enduring presence and an Tin , but it nearly looked chosen, and his place was usurped by another corner of Argyle and Macquarie streets, and he integral architectural relationship with completely different. immigrant architect, (1832-1892). was appointed to design the Town Hall in 1862. Hunter’s nearby Museum building and With the Hobart City Council spread between Bastow eventually left Tasmania to settle in Hunter’s Gothic design was seen as unsuitable with the range of other public buildings the remnants of the partly-demolished Victoria where he built a successful career in the and he was given six months to produce a new which flank Macquarie Street. government house and offices in the city market Public Works Department. His best-known plan. He eventually won over the aldermen with The Town Hall was the first major building, agitation for a new town hall began. By Tasmanian building is the former Union Chapel an Italianate design, modelled on the sixteenth undertaking by the newly-established 1860 the state government had agreed to transfer in Bathurst Street (now the Playhouse Theatre). century Renaissance Palazzo Farnese in Rome. municipal body, and its construction land to the City Council and allow it to borrow Henry Hunter had submitted a Gothic style In 1862 noted: “Whatever represented the optimism and money to build a suitable town hall. design entry under the pseudonym Nimrod (i.e. building we may put up in this fine site will be independence of the age, a proud A design competition was held and attracted the Biblical “mighty hunter”). Despite Bastow’s the most conspicuous edifice in Hobart Town. It affirmation of civic maturity. The 10 entries. The competition was won by a young claim to the prize, Hunter’s architectural skills will remain, for centuries one of the principal building has successfully served as architect recently arrived from England, Henry were favoured by the aldermen. Hunter had ornaments or blemishes of the capital of the centre of local government Henry Bastow (1839-1920) - his “winning” design was overlooked. Bastow Family Collection Bastow (1839-1920). Despite winning the received praise for his designs for the nearby Tasmania.” administration in Hobart for Enhanced by its civic setting, the Town Hall 150 years.

Henry Hunter’s 1861 competition entry in the Hunter’s first Classical design, 1863. Macquarie Street elevation of Engraving from a promotional newsletter, 1866. Nearing completion, 1866. Gothic style. TMAG R1993.3.1477 TMAG R1993.3.342 Hunter’s final design. TAHO TL.PQ 725.137 HOB HCC 1860-111 TAHO NS78-1-3 Detail of ceiling rose and chandelier Rosie Hastie Photography. The interior, c. 1880 Alfred Hunter’s decorative Detail of the cornice and Winter photograph. scheme, 1877. ceiling of the Town Hall. TMAG Q1990.15.1 TMAG R1993-3-335 HCC Nick Osborne photograph

he magnificent Town Hall chandeliers were Treconstructed in 1992 to mark the 150th anniversary of Hobart becoming a city. The three original gas jet chandeliers, supplied by Osler and Co Town Hall of Birmingham, had been removed in the early twentieth century. Chandeliers The two end chandeliers were initially replaced with temporary electrical fittings in 1899 and by new interior electric pendants by 1903. In 1910 the central he elaborately decorated interior of the Hobart chandelier was creating problems for the new moving TTown Hall is not the original colour scheme picture shows, so it was also later taken down and conceived by its architect. The present decoration was stored in the Town Hall basement. introduced in 1891, a quarter of a century after the By the 1930s, aldermen were wondering what had completion of the building. happened to the “fine old chandeliers” and investigated When the building was opened to the public in 1866, the cost of restoring and reinstalling them. But no-one the ornate plasterwork had no decorative paintwork or knew where the chandeliers had been stored. embellishment at all. Eleven years later, local painter, When the chandelier prisms were rediscovered in James Maher was commissioned to decorate the walls and 1950, the parts were catalogued and expert opinion ceiling according to the drawings of architect Henry sought regarding the cost of putting them back Hunter. together, but it was seen as too difficult. But by 1891, Hunter’s design was seen as too dark and In 1963, the Council resolved to sell the chandeliers, gloomy, so the Council spent about £700 on a lighter and but when few buyers could be found, they were given more elaborate colour scheme, including painted to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery with many allegorical figures over the stage representing “Literature” pieces and two of the frames missing. and “Painting”, and the heads of leading composers There the pieces stayed until 1986 when Alderman around the walls. The interior was repainted during the was elected Lord Mayor and decided 1950s, based on the 1891 scheme. that the chandeliers should be restored and re-hung in The large mirror with its Rococo-styled gilt frame, a time for the 1988 national bicentennial celebrations. gift from Henry Grimstone, was installed in 1877. Although The bid for bicentennial funding failed but the it was described as an “eyesore” and “not to the taste of the quest continued and in 1992, Alderman Kennedy architect” it still retains its prominent central position in succeeded in having three chandeliers with a mix of the Town Hall. original and replica crystals hung in the Town Hall Hobart Exceptional auditorium. Working drawing of original Customer Service chandelier, 1866. City of Hobart Awards ceremony, 2011. City of Hobart Returned soldiers welcomed by the mayor, 1919. Tasmanian Mail

Welcome Peace, 1919. TAHO NS869-1-59

Children in costume, Flag Day 1942. Mercury Historical Archive Collection

Peace celebrations, 1918. TAHO NS869-1-58

The magnificent Roll of Honour carved by Plane spotting, 1942. 12th Battalion AIF soldiers Celebrating Victory Nellie Payne. Rosie Hastie Photography Mercury Historical marching in Elizabeth Street. in the Pacific 1945. Archive Collection www.flickr.com/photos/70994841@ Mercury Historical Archive Collection N07/9757832354 hen people first enter the central the overall Honour Roll and was responsible for Wdoorway of the Town Hall off its installation. Macquarie Street, they are often overwhelmed by But when it was revealed that Margaret Dehle the huge Honour Roll that envelopes three walls was married to a German, a scandal erupted, and of the vestibule. The Honour Roll is dedicated to other contractors refused to assist with the all those men and women from the local project. The matter ended up in court, but nurses have marched past the Town Hall en community who served in the First World War. eventually another artist, Ellen Nora (“Nellie”) route to service abroad, with families and loved The small crosses against far too many names Payne, was engaged to undertake the carving. ones waving goodbye in the streets, and civic and War & signify those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and In 1919 the peace celebrations included community leaders bidding a formal farewell to whose names are also commemorated on the elaborate decorations, with the angel of peace the departing contingents. Soldiers Memorial Avenue. placed centrally, and a sailor, bulldog and The Honour Roll which silently greets visitors The blackwood Honour Roll features submarine mine at one side and soldier, to the Town Hall is a constant reminder of the elaborately carved panels with the Rising Sun kangaroo and emu on the other. service of community members for the nation. military motif. The artist originally chosen to During the Second World War a recruitment The Town Hall has always been a focal point in Peace carve the Honour Roll was Margaret Dehle, a booth was perched outside the Town Hall, near Hobart when war has been declared, or when Tasmanian student selected by Lucien the corner of Elizabeth Street. When the war conflict has ceased. Dignitaries still stand in Dechaineux, principal and art lecturer of the ended in 1945, dancing erupted in the streets. solemn ceremony near the steps of the Town Hall Hobart Technical School. Dechaineux designed Generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and each ANZAC day. View of Town Hall, Franklin Square and Hobart waterfront from the tower of old St David’s Cathedral, c. 1873. Henry Hall Baily photograph, James Backhouse Walker collection, UTAS Floral shows, pictures and protests

Mercury advertisement for Pastor Chiniquy’s lecture sparked a riot. Daffodil display at spring Wool auction, 1955. Forests Plantation protest meeting at the Hobart Town Hall in 2000. the first floral show in 1868. ML SLoNSW a4260043h flower show 2015. TAHO AB713-1-4461 Mercury Historical Archive Collection City of Hobart collection year after the opening of the Town Hall, Charles Chiniquy, a strong critic of the Roman tried, but in the mildest manner, to quell the approved by the mayor. In January 1912 one present, who could not believe that the unique Athe Gardeners’ and Amateurs’ Catholic Church, created pandemonium. disturbance. But in vain! The clangour sounded alderman tried unsuccessfully to ban all Sunday beauty of Lake Pedder was about to vanish. The Horticultural Society wrote to the Council in Organised marchers descended the Town Hall in louder, hoarser, with all attempts to subdue it. entertainment. Town Hall has been the venue for other December 1867, requesting use of the Town Hall massive numbers, and at the second attempted When motion pictures were introduced, there In the 1970s, Lithuanian-born photographer landmark events in the Australian conservation for a display of “flowers, fruits and vegetables” on lecture on 25 June, a riot erupted at the Town were few places in Hobart equipped to show and explorer, Olegas Truchanas gave a series of movement. 21 and 22 January 1868. Ultimately, the show was Hall. Here’s how the Mercury described it: them, but the Town Hall proved to be a suitable compelling audio-visual presentations about the The Town Hall is still regularly used for flower only held on the one day (Wednesday 22 January The ladies rushed towards the platform, as if venue. In February 1909, however, local church impending loss of Lake Pedder. There was shows, philatelic exhibitions, protest meetings, Early cinema poster, 1900. 1868), but this was to be the first of many floral to seek safety there, the cushioned crimson seats groups complained about the screening of a standing room only in the Town Hall, and citizenship ceremonies, eisteddfods and other JWB Murphy Collection, TAHO shows in the Town Hall – a tradition that were trampled under muddy feet, the clergy boxing film on a Sunday. The aldermen reacted hundreds were turned away. The slide shows, continuing activities, much as might have been Flower show, c. 1880. TAHO NS1013-1-3806 continues to today. besought order, the police, of whom there were at by passing a by-law which prohibited accompanied by the haunting music of Sibelius envisaged when the building was constructed in The 1879 visit to Hobart by Canadian pastor, first five or six, gathered round the rioters, and entertainment if a fee was charged, unless and Delius left a strong impression on those the 1860s. he Town Hall opened on 25 September T1866 with a glamorous ball, followed during the next few weeks by a series of concerts and musical presentations. On 27 September a performance of Haydn’s great oratorio The Creation took place, with Henry Hunter, the architect, singing the part of the tenor soloist in his own new creation. When the Town Hall was completed, there was a “gaping hole” behind the stage – a recess for a pipe organ. The organ was not installed Organ pipes with original stencilled decoration until 1870, when sufficient funds had been raised Alfred Winter photograph. TMAG Q1990.15.1 to purchase a new instrument from JW Walker and Sons, London. The Mayor in 1864, Robert Walker, envisaged that once installed “…the organ should be played at least once a week, with a view as far as possible Ogilvie High School Choir at City of Hobart to afford a bona fide cheap source of amusement Eisteddfod, 2013. Craig Opie photograph and refinement to every section of the people.” The City Council appointed Frederick Packer such as Peter Dawson and Joan Sutherland all to the position of City Organist, a role he performed in the Town Hall’s wonderful musical maintained from 1870 to 1895. Since 1870, there acoustic. have been eight City Organists and each has The Town Hall is still regularly used for played an important role in the musical life of the eisteddfod performances, Musica Viva recitals city. The two longest-serving City Organists were and concerts, Festival of Voices concerts and Sunday School Choirs, 1903. James Scott Power (from 1910 to 1939) and John many other musical activities. Weekly Courier, 21 February 1903 Nicholls (from 1939 to 1981). In July 2016 the Festival of Voices presented a The organ has been rebuilt on two occasions, specially commissioned work for choir, chamber in 1929 by George Fincham and Sons Pty Ltd of orchestra and organ entitled Hear the pipes call Melbourne and in 1966-1967 by JW Walker and by Paul Jarman and Bonnie Nilsson, to Sons, the original firm responsible for the organ. commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Town The Town Hall has been the venue of many Hall. memorable concerts, including those by local Public performances in the setting of a large musicians and visiting international artists. Nellie municipal auditorium provide special Melba performed at the Hobart Town Hall twice opportunities for the local community, and its in April 1909. The great pianist Ignacy increasing number of visitors, to participate in Paderewski, organist Marcel Dupre and singers cultural activity in an exceptional setting, much as was envisaged in the 1860s.

New organ case, 1929. TMAG R3116-1

Entertainment for Operative Lodge Centenary, James Scott-Power (1881-1939). John W Nicholls (1916-2009). Program for reopening Concert program, 1900. 1935. TAHO NS2502-1-4 St David’s Cathedral archives St David’s Cathedral archives. of organ, 1967. JWB Murphy Collection, TAHO Music Queen Mary) spent four days in Hobart. The Hobart Oval in the afternoon, before unveiling royal visitors attended a civic reception at the the Sesquicentenary Memorial in Hunter Street. Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor, Alderman JG In April 1970 a Meet the People event in Davies. During the 1901 visit, the Duke also laid Macquarie Street, saw the Queen, the the foundation stones of the GPO and the Boer Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and War Memorial – even though the end of the Princess Anne all mingling with the South African conflict was still nearly a year Hobart crowds. away. Other royal visitors to the Town The visit of the popular Prince of Wales (later Hall include King King Edward VIII) in 1920 prompted lavish Rama IX and Queen Duke and Duchess of York, 1927. displays of affection, including a municipal Sirikit of Thailand, Dennison Collection welcome arch, illuminated decorations and civic who attended a civic entertainment. Seven years later, the visit by the reception in 1962. The Songs of Welcome for new Duke and Duchess of York (later King Town Hall has been a Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, 1901. George VI and Queen Elizabeth) attracted great dignified and formal TAHO SD_ILS:549347 crowds: “Never did the people of Hobart setting for civic demonstrate their loyalty to the Throne more ceremonies associated Queen Elizabeth, the Queen sincerely and unmistakeably.” In 1934, Prince with visiting heads of Mother with Lord Mayor Sir Henry, Duke of Gloucester made a brief visit to state and other world Archibald Park, 1958. HCC Lord Mayor’s Report 1956-1958 Hobart, returning as Governor-General in 1945 leaders. and 1946. Queen Elizabeth II, Mayor Rogers welcomes the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made the first 1954. Duke and Duchess of York, 1927. large number of international visitors and The city, “festooned with flags and several visit to Hobart by a reigning monarch in TAHO AB713-1-2639 Tasmanian Mail Adignitaries has been welcomed by civic arches” greeted the prince warmly, with the civic February 1954, coinciding with the 150th leaders at the Town Hall. The most memorable highlight being the quaintly-named Colonists’ anniversary of the establishment of a colonial events include royal visits, when thousands of Ball at the Town Hall, which had been specially settlement at Sullivans Cove. After disembarking loyal Hobartians have thronged for a glimpse of illuminated for the occasion. The dancing at Princes Wharf, the Queen and the Duke of important visitors. continued “with great spirit” until the early Edinburgh proceeded to the Town Hall where The first royal visit came less than two years dawn. During his Hobart visit, the Duke laid the the Lord Mayor, Sir Richard Harris presented a after the completion of the Town Hall, when foundation stone of St David’s Cathedral. Loyal Address, and formally presented the Queen Victoria’s second son, Prince Alfred, Duke In July 1901 the Duke and Duchess of aldermen to the royal visitors. The Queen Royal Visits of Edinburgh came to Hobart, in January 1868. Cornwall and York (later King George V and attended a display by schoolchildren at North

Prince of Wales, 1920. King and Queen of Thailand, 1962. Queen Elizabeth II at the Queen Elizabeth II with Lord Mayor Sir Basil TMAG Q2001.15.1.64 HCC Lord Mayor’s Report 1962-1964 Town Hall, 1954. Osborne, 1970. HCC Lord Mayor’s Report TAHO PH30-1-6082 1968-70. Mercury Historical Archive Collection

Decorations for visit of Map of “Royal Progress” Duke of Edinburgh 1868. in Hobart, 1954. SLV IMP31-01-68-12 Official Souvenir Programme. Our Town Hall today

TasPride Festival, 2015. City of Hobart

DesignMade Exhibition, 2015. City of Hobart: Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Ron Christie Dark MOFO at the Town Hall 2014. Alastair Bett F8 Photography

he Hobart Town Hall was conceived as a 1866. The principal offices of council streamed live over the internet, giving council Volunteer Recognition Awards 2001. Tmajor public building in the city’s primary administration are still accommodated within meetings a global audience, a dramatic contrast HCC Annual Report 2000-2001 civic thoroughfare. Located on the site of the the Town Hall. Offices of the General Manager, to the somewhat secretive deliberations of the Citizenship ceremonies are held colony’s first government house, the Town Hall the Deputy General Manager and senior past. regularly at the Town Hall. City of Hobart: Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman has significant associations with the wider history corporate officials are all located within the When the Town Hall site was transferred to Ron Christie of Tasmanian administration and development, Town Hall, just as they were 150 years ago. the Council in the 1860s, the government had dating to the first decade of European settlement. The Lord Mayor and aldermen all have their stipulated that the new building should be of an Like the city, the Town Hall has also evolved. own offices within the building. The principal appropriate civic nature, and imposed a condition The public library has moved, initially into its public reception rooms are still used for civic upon the Council “that the Municipal Body own premises in the Carnegie Building, and later functions and receptions. The auditorium or should impart to the Building a front which will to the current Murray Street complex. There are ballroom is regularly used for public concerts and befit the Street and the character of a Town Hall”. no longer police or court activities within the events. Envisaged as a magnificent civic building and “a Town Hall. The Council is no longer responsible The dramatic technological advances since principal ornament” for the capital city, the for supplying gas or running trams, but new the Victorian period area also reflected in the Hobart Town Hall is a venerable edifice that responsibilities have been absorbed. Town Hall complex. The building is equipped continues to serve the City of Hobart and its Administrative officers have relocated to the with contemporary building services. In recent community very effectively. The building stands Hobart Council Centre in Davey Street but the years new energy-efficient heating and air- in the twenty-first century as a testament to the Town Hall is still the seat of Hobart’s local conditioning systems have been installed. confidence of Hobart’s past civic leaders, the government. The meetings of the council and its Computers and wireless technology now serve architectural talent of the young Henry Hunter committees are regularly held in the Town Hall, the building in a manner that could never have and the craftsmanship of the builders responsible 150th anniversary illumination of the Town Hall. providing a continuum of political activity since been imagined. Today’s council meetings are for its construction. Image courtesy of the Mercury, Hobart

Sunday 25 September 2016 10.00am - 4.00pm

To mark the 150th anniversary of the Town Hall, the City of Hobart is hosting a special Open Day on Sunday 25 September. Guided tours of the Town Hall will allow visitors to explore the building and its history. Restored trams will be on display at the front of the Town Hall, while inside, a new publication on the history of the Town Hall will be launched. A portrait of the building’s architect, Henry Hunter, will be unveiled and the celebrations will continue with the cutting of a spectacular birthday cake. There will be fun activities for children, including folklore games, plenty of music and dance performances to entertain. ABC radio will be running an outside broadcast from 10.00am until 2.00pm. For a full list of activities visit hobartcity.com.au/hobarttownhall Open Day

Introducing a commemorative book This new publication, to mark the Town complex. This rich and generously illustrated Hall’s sesquicentenary, proudly documents publication details the evolution of the building the rich and varied history of the Town and its ongoing use by the Hobart community. Hall and its place in the life of the City of The book will be launched at the Open Day and Hobart. This book, written by architect, will be available for sale at the Town Hall and in historian and illustrator, Peter Freeman, bookshops. RRP $60.00 celebrates the “home” of municipal government in Tasmania’s capital city and commemorates its significant role in MUNICIPAL MAGNIFICENCE MUNICIPAL MAGNIFICENCE community activities over the past hundred THE HOBART TOWN HALL 1866–2016 PETER FREEMAN Peter Freeman is an architect, historian and The completion of the Hobart Town Hall BRENDAN LENNARD KATHRYN EVANS illustrator, based on the south coast of NSW, and fifty years. & in 1866 marked a significant achievement who has always had close family links with for the newly established City Council. Tasmania. Peter has been the author / The building represented a proud landmark compiler / illustrator of fourteen publications in the life of the fledgling Council, housing about architectural history and conservation, the council chambers, public library, police local history and biography, and was The book tells the story of the Town Hall offices and courtroom together with other shortlisted in 2014 for the NSW Premier’s important municipal functions. The new History Award for his publication The edifice also provided a much needed home Wallpapered Manse. His most recent publication was an illustrated history of site from its earliest days, as an Aboriginal for broader community activities and Domain House in the Queens Domain. events. The sesquicentenary of the completion of the Town Hall provides us Brendan Lennard is the City of Hobart’s senior with the opportunity to acknowledge the cultural heritage officer. He has a particular progress and achievements of the past one interest in the musical heritage of the Town landscape, the location of the colony’s first hundred and fifty years. The anniversary Hall and its grand concert organ. He was a also allows us to honour the contributions member of the Hobart Choral and made by so many people over the years to Philharmonic Society in the 1970s and has attended hundreds of Town Hall concerts and government house and the design and our beautiful city. This publication proudly recitals over the years. documents the rich and varied history of the Town Hall and its place in the life of

Dr Kathryn Evans is a Hobart-based historian PETER FREEMAN the City of Hobart. This book celebrates with a special interest in researching and the ‘home’ of municipal government in documenting Tasmania’s historic heritage and completion of the present Town Hall Tasmania’s capital city and commemorates the stories connected with that heritage. She its significant role in community and has been involved in a wide range of research and interpretative projects, publications and municipal activities over the years. displays on significant Tasmanian historic Members of the public are invited to sharesites and buildings. their stories about the Hobart Town Hall. A special Time Capsule has been prepared, ISBN 978-0-9807102-8-1 and this will be opened on the Town Hall’s Municipal9 780980 710281 > 200th anniversary in 2066. The City of Hobart is looking for personal stories that involve the Town Hall to include in the Time Capsule. Magnificence