On the day I visited, I was fortunate enough to meet Roger and John of Downies. They happened to share my passion for Melbourne's history and architecture and allowed me to take some photographs of areas not visible from the window. Their insights and postcard pictures were a great source of inspiration! They gave me many ideas for future posts.
Incredible brickwork from ca. 1856.
The Block Arcade already has such a long history. So it is fascinating to find evidence of an even longer history which exists (and can still be seen) beneath the building!
Does anyone know of any other remarkable basements in the city?Click here to read about the spectacular ceilings of the Block Arcade
References: Buckrich, Judith, Collins: The Story of Australia's Premier Street (2005) Cannon, Michael, The Land Boomers (1966)Block Arcade website: http://www.theblockarcade.com.au Heritage Victoria website: http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/heritage/730Photos: My own, 2010