Thursday 22 December 2011

Thornton's scent bottle


Well, yesterday's quizz was easy-peasy, yes?

George Thornton was a mayor of Sydney, and mayors are very keen on getting their name on public amenities. This structure, on the T-intersection of Bathurst St with Elizabeth St, was erected in 1857 when Thornton was mayor. Being a sewer vent, it was quickly given the sobriquet 'Thornton's scent bottle'. It is modelled on Cleopatra's Needle in London.

You will be pleased to know that in 1965 the Benelong Sewerage System, of which this was the only ventilation shaft, converted to a storm water only system, still entering the harbour beneath the Opera House.

9 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Well, that's a relief. Sounds awful otherwise.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, hugs to all, especially Alannah.
Love, K

Mark said...

This is priceless! Walked or bussed past it many times and never knew it was a very decorative gas pipe!

Jim said...

Some different views of it.

Ann said...

I never knew it was a sewer vent.

cara said...

fascinating!

Joan Elizabeth said...

Had never heard of it being the scent bottle ... great story.

Peter said...

That last shot looks luminous, it is difficult to find the right angle.

brattcat said...

this is amazing. talk about creative problem solving. and what a clever name.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Wow! Very decorative solution to a smelly problem! :-)