Stories from the Archives: Who was Albert Bond? ALBERT BOND (1841-1923) was the architect of the College’s earliest buildings: Shubra Hall, the Dining Room, College Hall, Boarding House and the first classrooms. Bond was a well-known Sydney architect. In 1873 he was appointed the first full-time City Architect, a position he held until 1877. While in this post his designs for the roof turrets and the vestibule of Sydney Town Hall were adopted. Those who have attended the Junior School’s annual Grand Concert will know the impressive vestibule with its marble columns and floor, stone carvings, ornate chandelier, elaborate plasterwork and central dome with stained glass clerestory. Bond also contributed to the development of the department store. His plans for Farmer & Company (now Myer) included one of Sydney’s first passenger lifts. The Hordern family engaged him to design their large and flourishing department store in George Street (now the site of the World Square apartment and commercial development). Bond was also a prominent figure in the Institute of Architects. Shubra Hall In 1868 Anthony Hordern III engaged Bond to design Shubra Hall for his family’s residence. Hordern (“Tertius”) lived in the stables (now housing the College Archives) while he supervised the construction of the house. When completed, Shubra Hall, with its imposing Italianate tower, intricately-patterned tile verandah and balcony and exterior lavish ornamentation, was one of the most substantial houses in Croydon. PLC Sydney in 1891, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1891 Main School When the Presbyterian Church acquired Shubra Hall in 1889 an architect was needed to prepare plans for additional buildings to house the College. At its meeting on 19 January 1890 College Council resolved “to appoint Mr Albert Bond of Bell’s Chambers Pitt Street to the position [of architect]. Mr Bond had been the architect of the House at present erected on [the] ground[s].” The Principal, Dr Marden, was instructed to write to Mr Bond “informing him of his appointment”. Less than a year later, on 10 March 1891, the new buildings were officially opened by the Governor of New South Wales and his wife the Countess of Jersey. An article in the Sydney Morning Herald praised not only the beauty of the architectural style but also the arrangement, spaciousness and suitability for purpose of the new facilities. The journalist noted the “grand staircase of cedar, frenchpolished, and artistically carved, leading to the first floor” and the 27 “spacious dormitories” for boarders. Today these heritage buildings form the heart of our Croydon campus. Sources: Albert Bond the Forgotten Victorian Architect, Lynn Vlismas, BArch. Thesis, UNSW, 1974 Foundations for a City – Building Sydney Town Hall, City of Sydney website The Heritage of Australia, the Illustrated Register of the National Estate, Macmillan, Melbourne, 1981, p.2/100 Minutes of College Council Sydney Morning Herald, 11 March 1891 Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1891 Sydney Morning Herald, 7 April 1923 .