Tuesday 27 October 2009

Paying our respects


Although this building in King Street was built to honour J. Palmer, Esq. in 1886, by the time of the Newtown jubilee in 1912, the main tennant was one P. Gleeson, Esq. a "Grocer & Provision Merchant" who was shamelessly pushing "Green Coupons". Burnished by late afternoon light, the facade has been lovingly restored through the years.


Meandering eastward along King Street, with the sun streaming over my shoulder, my breathing became sharper with each fine example that I came across and my shoulders sagged with every 100 yard patch where the past had been obliterated by some modern abomination.


Although incomplete, the final restoration may just be an example of biting off more than one can chew. However, it was one of the few "antique" facades dedicated to a woman.

18 comments:

Lois said...

The light hitting that facade in the first picture is simply stunning Julie. I also really enjoy it when you post the old pictures for comparison.

brattcat said...

Can you tell us anything of Mary to whom this solid building was dedicated?

cara said...

Fabulous old buildings... maybe one day someone will be just as impressed with the new ones in between...

Ann said...

Maybe cara, but I hope not. Wonderful light. I really like the intensity of the colours in your shots. I am yet to tweak my camera settings, now I'm back home I must experiment.

VP said...

It's a pleasure to see these old building restored or, at least, respected. I didn't know that building were built to honor a person... Wonderful images!

Lowell said...

You really caught that evening light perfectly. Makes these place shine in their pristine glory.

Why is it that so often modernizing something means destroying the past?

I dunno!

Jim said...

These are fantastic. Thanks for highlighting the brilliant architecture. Walking past you could easily miss some of them, especially if they haven't been kept in tip top condition, like some of these.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Unknown said...

Fantastic building top shot! (first photo)

Julian Davis said...

Wonderful capture Sally ! Thank you sharing information regarding this brilliant architecture .

AB said...

Great old buildings.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Once again you have made daggy old buildings look quite lovely and worth preserving ... your attention to the history is much appreciated.

Bergson said...

the light on the first is fantastic

Frank said...

These buildings and their history are so fascinating. Unbelievable structures! Your terrific photos combined with the older views make for the perfect post.

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

Such a beauty! Great that it has been restored to former glory. Love the light here!

diane b said...

The renovated old buildings look so good. I hope more get finished. I remember Newtown as an old inner city suburb where many migrants lived (in the 50's) I belive its becoming a bit trendy and upmarket now..Is that right?

James said...

I love these old facades.

Bruce Caspersonn said...

Beautiful stuff Julie, brings tears to the eyes.Thank you.
Bruce.

Julie said...

Glad you liked it, Bruce.