Named after the then reigning monarch of England, Queen Victoria, the Victorian style of Australian architecture became much more exciting and representative of the increased wealth of the nation. Australia was now becoming quite prosperous in its own right and was sending much of its wealth to England in the form of sheep, cattle and then gold.

It’s no surprise then that this diversity and new found wealth was also expressed in its architecture. While public buildings still often relied on the use of Colonial Georgian and Colonial Regency styles, smaller building started to take advantage of new materials such as corrugated iron, and the production of glass in larger sheets, thus enabling larger windows and the like. Stained glass proliferated in all sorts of ways such as in fan lights, window side panels and front door inserts. The famous pressed metal ceilings of the time became en vogue as did plaster mouldings and wall linings.

It was at this time that roofing changed too. Instead of the slate and shingles, and sometimes even thatched rooves, terracotta tiles became the preferred style. Chimneys too became more ornate and aesthetically pleasing. It was during this time period too that Australia was producing its own ‘iron lace’ which decorated both domestic and public buildings.

While there were at least fifteen architectural styles influencing the Victorian Period in Australia, they were all congruent in their celebration of hope, prosperity and a great vision for the future.