Architecture, Building and Planning - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 1 of 1
-
ItemAlexander Hamilton: architect, Colac( 1969)This thesis is an attempt to record the life and work of Alexander Hamilton, 1825-19011, a Scottish mill-wright who migrated to the Colony of Victoria in 1852 and who, relatively late in life, became an architect/builder practising at Colac. The role of Hamilton in the history of the Western District settlement and expansion is important. His nationality, political and religious character ensured that he was to be entrusted with the design and erection of a great many of the Western District homesteads, public, ecclesiastical and other buildings, built in the district in the period 1873-1901. Little was known of his work until this year. The results of my research will at least provide a thorough background for more detailed research on specific buildings he designed. My thesis includes a short history of the settlement of the district; a biography of the life of Alexander Hamilton; a comprehensive list of all recorded work he undertook in the role of architect/builder/engineer; a detailed study of representative public, ecclesiastical, residential and utilitarian buildings erected under the supervision of Hamilton, followed by a critical summary. As illustration a general photographic survey and sketches of his work are included, together with copies and transcripts of some of his original documents. The very character and quality of his work demand further study. However, my thesis does attempt to provide a general survey and analysis of his career, further substantiated by specific details of architectural and engineering undertakings, but, the time available, the geographic location of his work and the fact that many of his important works are in isolated regions or since demolished, has meant that only a representative cross-section of his work could be surveyed and recorded.