Photo gallery: University of Sydney Quadrangle, then

The following are a selection of photos of the University of Sydney Quadrangle, then. Information is taken from the University Overview History in the Grounds Conservation Plan 2002.

Also view photos of the University of Sydney Quadrangle, now.

1850s - 60s

• While Edmund Blacket, Colonial Architect, envisaged that an enclosed Quadrangle would eventually be built, the initial phase constructed to his designs comprised the Great Hall and East Wing, built between 1855 and 1863. During 1855 the walls of the Great Hall were completed to a height of 21 feet.
• By the end of 1856 work had commenced on the whole of the eastern front, comprising five compartments: the Great Hall; the compartment between the Hall and centre tower; the tower; the compartment on the other side of the tower; and the compartment containing the laboratory at the south eastern corner of the building. These were completed and brought into use between 1857 and 1862.

• Photo above: Construction of the Clocktower, c1850s, taken by Professor John Smith, University Archives. View enlargement.

• Photo above: By Professor John Smith c1850s, courtesy of the University of Sydney Archives, of the front section of the Main Building on its completion, taken from the left hand side, with the Great Hall on the right. View enlargement.

• Photo above: By Professor John Smith c1850s, courtesy, University Archives, of the Great Hall showing the carving of the angel on top, which was removed in 1874 because it was unstable. View enlargement.

Views 1870s - 90s

• Photo above: The front of the Main building in 1870, courtesy, University Archives, with the Great Hall on the right, taken from Victoria Park. View enlargement.

• Photo above: The front of the Main building c1870, courtesy, University Archives, with the Great Hall on the right and Parramatta Road in the foreground. View enlargement.

• Photo above: The rear of the Main Building c1870, courtesy, University Archives, with the Great Hall on the left, taken from RPAH. View enlargement.

• Photo above: Victoria Park and Lake Northam, 1891-2, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

• Photo above: At the front of the Quadrangle in 1902 (with the Anderson Stuart Building at the far left), a guard of honour formed by the University returned soldiers, under the command of Brigadier General I. G. Mackay, C.M.G., awaiting the arrival of the Prince of Wales, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

1900s

• Built between 1902 and 1909, the Fisher Library occupied part of the south side of what was to become the Quadrangle.

• Photo above: Construction of Fisher Library, now MacLaurin Hall, c1900s, Library website. View enlargement.

• Photo above: View of the rear of the original Fisher Library which was opened on 20 September 1909, designed to form a corner to the Quadrangle, courtesy, University Archives. The reading room is now MacLaurin Hall. View enlargement.

1910s

• In 1913 building began on the south range of the main Quadrangle, the section now known as the Professorial Boardroom, with cloisters running from the eastern tower, round the south range to the north end of the book stack.

• Photo above: View from behind the Main Building in 1912, with the original Fisher Library on the right, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

1920s

• Between 1919 and 1924, Professor Leslie Wilkinson designed additions along the Western Tower wing and the Administration building in the north-west corner (between the site of the proposed western tower and the west end of the Great Hall).
• Work proceeded in 1926 to complete the gap between the book stack and the north-west corner to provide three floors for book stacks and accommodation in the attic level for the Faculty of Architecture.
• The War Memorial Carillon was installed in the tower and was inaugurated on Anzac Day 1928.
• The building was stuccoed in the Mediterranean style, creating a neoclassical style frontage to Science Road. A terracotta roof was added and a new porch, to the north-west of the tower formed an entry from Science Road.

• Photo above: The front of the Main buildings in 1920 with the Great Hall on the right and Parramatta Road in the foreground, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

• Photo above: View of construction of the Administration wing of the Quadrangle building, 1923, taken from Science Road, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

• Photo above: Manning Road c1925 showing the rear of the Quadrangle - the original Fisher Library - on the left, with the Anderson Stuart Building in the distance on the right, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.

• Photo above: Quadrangle, Harold Cazneaux, 1927, University of Sydney Archives, courtesy of the University Archives.

• Photo above: The carillon bells for the Clocktower at the dock - they had been shipped from England to Sydney in early 1928. View enlargement.

• Photo above: Opening of the Carillon, 1928, University Archives.

1950s and 60s

• In 1958 the former Organic Chemistry wing was remodelled to accommodate Administration.
• In 1963 work began on completion of the Western Tower of the Quadrangle and the extension of the cloisters up to the tower. While the tower had been constructed in the 1920s, only the west face had been completed due to insufficient funds.

• Photo above: View of the Western Tower in August 1952, Sydney Morning Herald photos, copies held by the University of Sydney Archives.

• Photo above: Completion of the Western Tower in 1969, courtesy, University Archives. View enlargement.