Late Victorian 1875 > 1901

As the State’s wealth and confidence increased, houses still resembled earlier Victorian types in form, but assumed a grander, more ornate appearance incorporating elements of the Italianate style.

Terraces became taller and incorporated ornamented parapets and projecting verandah wing walls.

Social history

The name "Marvellous Melbourne" reflected the city’s great prosperity. Mansions were constructed for the wealthy by prominent architects and the extravagantly decorated houses encapsulated the optimism of the ‘boom’ period.

Grand international exhibitions were held at the Royal Exhibition Buildings to showcase locally and internationally manufactured products.

By the end of this period the boom turned to bust, and between 1890 and 1895 Melbourne's building and architecture was severely impacted by the Depression.

Watch Phyllis Murphy, a retired architect and wallpaper collector, talk about wallpapers in the Victorian Era.