Our heritage home

....The elevations are designed in the Italian style

The Commercial Bank is acknowledged as one of Francis Butler's best works, conceived in the classical style and designed to impress.

The mid-nineteenth century was a time of innovation, expansion and renewed sense of optimism and growth. The mining booms both on the mainland and in Tasmania boosted the economy and created a demand for new buildings which reflected this sense of progress.

When government or business wanted to impress the people with their achievements and wealth, highly formal classical architecture was the ideal style. Borrowing from the models of imperial Rome or the Renaissance, these buildings expressed the importance and dignity of the business. For the Commercial Bank, their new building proclaimed their financial success, and confidence in the future.

Impressive in scale and detail, the bank uses classical motifs in both Doric and Ionic columns on the façade, elaborate window surrounds and a balustrade on the parapet. Internally, the grand banking chamber features richly moulded Corinthian columns, plasterwork and skylight. The Manager enjoyed a large ground floor office overlooking Franklin Square. Upstairs were further offices and accommodation for the manager or principal clerk.

Security was also guaranteed with two strong rooms and a basement for storing money and valuables. The windows were also fitted with revolving iron shutters. Today, the building still has a bank safe.

[Previous Page]   [Our heritage home]   [Next Page]