The story behind the scene

Gold arriving in Melbourne had put pressure on the colony’s existing storage and financial administration. The government commissioned a new Treasury in 1857.

Clark placed secure vaults in the basement, with offices above. The building was largely completed in 1862, although work on its approaches continued afterwards.

The vaults are often treated as proof of the gold rush’s riches. The Old Treasury Building museum makes a useful distinction: the amount of gold actually stored there is not known. Government administration was also central to its purpose.

What you’re seeing

The historical photograph shows the Treasury during its construction period or early years. The modern view shows the sandstone frontage and approaches beside Spring Street. The photograph’s approximate date should not be read as the building’s completion date.

Why this photo matters

The building puts a young designer’s work alongside the government’s response to the gold rush. Its offices and vaults were planned together, even though the gold stored inside cannot now be counted.

Historical photograph: John H. Jones, c.1860, State Library Victoria, H2017.7545. Modern photograph: Julian Varricchio.

Sources: Old Treasury Building