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Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former)
144-150 Hall Street SPOTSWOOD, Hobsons Bay City

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Hobsons Bay City

Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former), Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The former Bickford, Smith & Co explosives factory, designed by Gibbs, Finlay, Morsby & Coates and constructed in 1911, at 144-150 Hall Street, Spotswood.

How is it Significant?

The former Bickford, Smith & Co explosives factory at 144-150 Hall Street, Spotswood is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant as a factory that demonstrates the early development of the Spotswood industrial area, which became a major centre of industry in a metropolitan context. It was associated with a nationally known chemical firm, Nobel (Australasia). (AHC criteria A4, D2 and H1)

Aesthetically, it is a surprisingly original and extensive facade (given the industrial use) designed in a striking manner within a castellated Medieval revival style not seen commonly in Victoria. (AHC criteria B2, E1 and F1)

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- Physical Description 1
  
  Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former) - Physical Description 1
  
  A single storey, large dichrome brick and stucco facade which apparently covers a timber structure as a three-sided castellated wall with octagonal corner turrets. The facade is comprised of three parts; two wings flanking a central, higher one. This central facade element is divided by pilasters which are expressed in the parapet as larger battlements. A brick corbel-table follows the main cornice around all sides, each bay possessing two diamond-shape windows aligned over rectangular windows below. Paired lights comprise the fenestration on the side wings with slightly gabled concrete lintels over these and the centre-wing windows. A central, raised entablature supports a cornice and drum shape, above the Gothic-arched entrance, as well as the name of the current owner.
  
  Generally Tudor revival in its styling, the factory follows the overall medieval stylism used sparingly on large buildings and commonly in domestic architecture or stable buildings since c.1900 (refer former Salvation Army Training College, Victoria Parade, Melbourne East).
  
  Integrity
  
  Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former) - Integrity
  
  External Integrity and condition
  Generally original except for the unfortunate placement of new buildings across the axis of this impressive facade.
  
  Physical Description 2
  
  Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former) - Physical Description 2
  
  Context
  This building forms part of a broader industrial precinct within the Spotswood area. Other heritage places include the WE Goetz factory on the adjacent site, and installations associated with the early oil industry to the east in Burleigh Street.
  
  Historical Australian Themes
  
  Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
  
  Developing local, regional and national economies, Marketing & retailing
  
  Physical Description 3
  
  Bickford, Smith & Co Explosives Factory (Former) - Physical Description 3
  
  Associations
  Bickford, Smith & Co., Nobel (Australia), Gibbs, Finlay, Morsby & Coates
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
  
  Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
  Year: 2006
  Grading:
- Show:
- SEWERAGE PUMPING STATION
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H1555
- CSL (COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES) COLLECTION
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H2422
- SPOTSWOOD PUMPING STATION
  
  Victorian Heritage Inventory