Key 76: Wilson Hall [ii] 1952; 1956 / Centenary Celebrations & Fund-Raising 1955-1956

 

In the midst of restoration work in preparation for the University’s centenary celebrations, the roof timbers of Wilson Hall caught fire on a hot, gusty mid-summer afternoon on 25 January 1952.

Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952
Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1558]
Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952
Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1877]

There was little that could be done to halt the spectacular blaze. As thousands gathered to watch, the University’s dominant landmark, together with some of its records and artworks stored in the basement, and the recently-installed memorial window to honour Melbourne women graduates, burned beyond repair.

Crowd watching Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952
Crowd watching Old Wilson Hall fire, 25 January 1952.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1526]

A rebuilding appeal raised £96,733 but the Government made no contribution. The initial decision was to build a replica but cost and a prevailing enthusiasm for modernity overwhelmed those who felt a degree might lack substance were it not conferred in a Gothic-revival style structure. The design sought from Bates, Smart and McCutcheon was modern, though not quite modern enough for Melbourne’s self-appointed arbiters of architectural taste Robin Boyd and Roy Grounds. The new Wilson Hall opened in 1956.

Exterior New Wilson Hall from the south, c1956
Exterior New Wilson Hall from the south, c1956.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1402]
Exterior New Wilson Hall from the north, c1956
Exterior New Wilson Hall from the north, c1956.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1401]

Its 'confident modernism contradicted by its featurism', it was a building of its time that effectively proclaimed a new national academic independence from the 'old world'.

Opening of New Wilson Hall from the balcony, 1956
Opening of New Wilson Hall from the balcony, 22 March 1956.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1380]
Interior Wilson Hall as an exhibition space, 1957
Interior Wilson Hall as an exhibition space, 1957.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1351]

The loss of Wilson Hall caused the postponement of the Centenary Celebrations until 1956 when the new Hall was completed. The Centenary Appeal was launched in 1955 and combined with a broad program of opening the University to the public gaze raised over half a million pounds.

Wilson Hall, Centenary Banquet, 1956
Wilson Hall, Centenary Banquet, 1956.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1414]
Graduation ceremony, 1985
Graduation ceremony, 1985.
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-2331]