FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY

81-89 TANNERY ROAD CHARLEMONT, GREATER GEELONG CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY - History

    Surprisingly little has been written about this part of Geelong with the major sources of history for the area being cited in Rowe and Huddle 2000 and most recently in Smith 2009. The area was probably settled soon after the European colonisation of Port Phillip and was originally called Breakwater (Prescott 1985:112). From the early 1850s the area was primarily industrial, comprising a range of factories including tanneries, wool scourers and fell mongers; industries which largely ceased by the 1920s. One of the most prominent of these was John Gardiner's Tannery, Oil and Glue works which is commonly believed to be located at the end of King's Lane (Smith 2009: 38, Rowe and Huddle 2000). While it is undisputed that his tannery was located within the allotment and went through a succession of owners and name changes. The last of these was Charles Palmer, who owned and operated the establishment as the Victoria Tannery and Bone Mill until the 1920s. Smith however suggests that there were two operations in the area throughout the late 19th century; including Munday's Tannery which continues in operation today. It is known that since 1936, the house and land were no longer owned by tannery enterprises. In the 1940s, the owner razed and filled over most of the factory remains leaving only 4 vats in the area (Rowe and Huddle, 2000).

    Interpretation of Site

    FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY - Interpretation of Site

    The site comprises a range of architectural features - and is likely the location of several former factories (most likely representing different phases of animal byproduct processing industry and associated modifications). The extant vaulted vats are most likely to relate to the earliest phase of John Gardiner's Tannery and Glue Works. Several remainingsheds are also likely to represent the industrial phase. Most of the dryer bank area remians underdeveloped as a floodplain, the potential for archaeological material is high.

    Archaeological Significance

    FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY - Archaeological Significance

    The site is of medium archaeological significance, as it is the location of several former 19th century factories, stanking buildings and a range of archeological remains.Together with the nearby remains of Australian Tannery, is one of the more complete examples of mid 19th to 20th century industrial history. Like the Australian tannery, it comprises the manager's residence and lies in an area which is relatively undeveloped. Although smaller, it is rare because of its colourful and long term evolution, including the continued use of a multi-cultural work force; some of who are known to have lived at the site. The former tannery complex therefore has the potential to provide evidence of ancillary works, domestic quarters (including evidence of various ethnic groups) adding to the corpus of knowledge regarding life within one of the regions most important industries.

    Historical Significance

    FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY - Historical Significance

    According to Rowe and Huddle 2000 it is of local significance the remains of the Barwonside Woolscouring Establishment. However, given that Smith 2009 study suggests that the remains may be associated with Munday's Tannery - one of the earliest and long running commercial and industrial establishments in the area - and a tannery that during the 19th century had a global output, the site is of regional significance.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    FORMER BARWONSIDE TANNERY - Heritage Inventory Description

    The Barwon River floodplain and adjacent landholdings between Barwon Heads Road in the west and Jendes Lane in the east (mostly within former Allotments 1 to 4, section 1) is the former location of a range of 19th and early 20th century industrial works. Features include (some visible from aerial images) in the vicinity of standing historical structures situated around a residence known as 'Barwonside'.
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