Distinctive_features Kew_Asylum

skyline of kew asylum

the asylum complex example of e-plan lunatic asylums based on model 1850s asylum in colney hatch, england, based on 1830 design of hanwell asylum in london. kew considered barracks style asylum due perceived resemblance stockades or gaols. buildings constructed oversize bricks, made local clay quarried on-site. bricks rendered cement. central administration block 3 storied mansard roof , cupola. 2 storeyed ward wings extend each side, 1 each sex. each wing has 4 storey, mansard-roofed tower, contained water tanks. ward wings surrounded courtyards lined iron columned verandas, many of retained when complex redeveloped. internally, dormitories had 14 ft (4.3 m) ceilings , brightly coloured walls beds aligned in neat rows. floors of timber, principally scrubbed. primary access complex tree-lined drive princess street (now known main drive ) culminating in elliptical carriageway in front of main building. second drive (now known lower drive ) extended princess street rear gates of asylum. road commonly used deliveries , asylum via rear gatehouse.

while kew s plan , detail similar sister asylums @ ararat , beechworth, kew asylum larger front buildings , towers more impressive architecturally. kew s distinctive towers , mansard roofs make 1 of prominent architectural landmarks in melbourne , visible on eastern skyline.

ha-ha walls

cross section of ha-ha wall @ kew asylum

another distinctive feature of kew asylum , sister asylums use of variation on ha-ha walls around patients courtyards. consisted of trench, 1 side of vertical , faced stone or bricks, other side sloped , turfed. inside, walls presented tall face patients, deterring them escaping, while outside walls looked low not suggest imprisonment. journalist argus described walls excellent arrangement, enables patients see outside world, , away gaol appearance , feeling inculcated walls of old asylums . many of kew s ha-ha walls retained , remain intact, unlike @ beechworth , ararat partially dismantled or trenches filled in.

grounds , landscaping

asylum grounds, circa 1890

the grounds of kew asylum landscaped in tradition of english country park. consistent victorian idea pleasant or beautiful surroundings ease mental anguish of inmates. has been proposed initial plantings on site supplied baron ferdinand von mueller, director of botanic gardens. initially, grounds planted many conifers , large growing trees, oaks, elms , moreton bay figs; , trees indigenous area, river red gum, yellow box, , lightwood retained in landscape. in 1913 landscape gardener hugh linaker employed lay out grounds of mont park asylum. landscape gardener state lunacy department commenced program of landscape improvements , tree plantings @ other asylums in victoria, including kew.

the conifer plantings , oak avenues along main , lower drives established , of mature size 1940s. conifers planted 1860s along moreton bay figs , oaks. oaks , elms more planted 1880s. not known if linaker responsible oak avenues, appears many of conifers, monterey pines, canary island pines, monterey cypress, hoop pine, bunya bunya pines , himalayan cedars, predate linaker , oaks , elms may have been planted after appointment. use of bhutan cypress in landscape due linaker favoured upright trees. possible 2 remnant monterey cypress along main drive , monterey pine along lower drive trees earlier planting scheme. several trees , plants on grounds of kew asylum , kew cottages have been classified of historical significance victorian heritage council , national trust of australia (victoria), , have been protected during property s redevelopment.

in addition asylum s ornamental gardens, grounds featured vegetable gardens, farms , recreational areas such cricket ovals , bowling greens. little evidence remains of these structures except there road encircles former cricket oval.