The Evolution of General Post Office Sydney Over Time

The General Post Office in Sydney has a rich history that spans over a century. It was built in 1866 and designed by colonial architect James Barnet.

The original building was constructed using local sandstone and featured a striking clock tower. It quickly became a prominent landmark in the city.

Over time, the General Post Office underwent several renovations and expansions to meet the growing demands of the postal service. In 1891, a new wing was added to the building, designed by Barnet's successor, William Wardell.

The General Post Office has played a vital role in the development of Sydney, serving as a hub for communication and commerce.

The General Post Office in Sydney has a rich history that dates back to 1866, when the original building was constructed in two stages under the guidance of Colonial Architect James Barnet.

It was a significant project that would come to symbolise Sydney, much like the Houses of Parliament in Westminster represent London and the Eiffel Tower represents Paris.

The building's design and construction were major undertakings that showcased the city's growth and development during that time.

The General Post Office in Sydney is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture. Built between 1866 and 1891, it features a grand Romanesque Revival style.

The building's design was influenced by the Sydney City Council's desire for a grand and imposing structure that would serve as a symbol of the city's importance. The result is a building that's both beautiful and functional.

The General Post Office's façade is made of sandstone, with a distinctive clock tower that's a prominent feature of the Sydney skyline.

James Barnet's post office was a highly anticipated project, with news reports suggesting it would be one of the finest specimens of architecture in the colony.

The official keystone setting ceremony took place on 8 September 1869, sparking public interest in the future of the civic structure.

As construction progressed, public attention turned to the adjacent St. Martin's Lane, with a newspaper commenting on 20 January 1870 that a decent thoroughfare would add to the city's architectural reputation.

The widening of St. Martin's Lane was initially suggested in 1870, but it wouldn't be discussed in government circles until 1889, near the completion of the second stage of the GPO.

The facade articulation of a building is a crucial aspect of its design, and the General Post Office (GPO) in Sydney is a great example of how it can be done right. The GPO's facade is a masterclass in articulation, with a tripartite design that's composed of load-bearing Sydney sandstone, supported by granite columns.

The use of Sydney sandstone was a deliberate choice by the architect, James Barnet, who had a high regard for its quality and durability. He believed that it could be quarried in large blocks completely free of flaws, which is evident in the building's robust structure.

The GPO's facade is often described as Victorian Free Classical or Italian Renaissance Palazzo Style, reflecting its roots in the Renaissance and the works of English architect Charles Robert Cockerell. This style is characterized by the free use of Classical motifs, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the building.

The Martin Place facade, in particular, is a striking feature of the GPO, with its white marble statuary group of Queen Victoria flanked by allegorical figures. This beautiful sculpture is a testament to the building's rich history and cultural significance.

Here are some key features of the GPO's facade articulation:

Construction of the General Post Office Sydney began in 1866 and was executed in two stages over more than two decades.

The architect James Barnet's design was a mixture of the Italian Renaissance Palazzo style and elements inspired by Florentine and Venetian architecture.

Sandstone was used for the main structure, while granite was incorporated into its foundations and columns. The Alto-relief spandrel carvings by Italian sculptor Tommaso Sani, on Pitt Street, are depictions of everyday scenes from colonial life.

These carvings were highly debated aspects of the GPO's design, with critics labeling them as caricatures, but they have since gained recognition as a landmark moment in Australian art, embodying a turning point in the colony’s cultural identity.

The building's lack of amenities was a source of complaint among workers, with one staff member describing the stench as "at times so unbearable as to hinder us materially in the performance of our duties."

Rapid growth and population rise in New South Wales had placed significant strain on the postal services and the post office building itself, which had become a public and government concern due to its gross overcrowding.

The system of handling mail was rapidly descending into the danger of collapsing entirely, and the situation had worsened by 1863.

A larger temporary wooden structure was erected in Wynyard Square at a government cost of A£4,000, and James Barnet was instructed to prepare plans for a new post office on the George Street segment of the present site.

Barnet had originally intended to create a grander civic structure, but he also considered retaining the existing Doric portico and building a new structure behind it, a unique idea for its time in Australian architectural history.

The Pitt Street extension of the General Post Office (GPO) was a significant addition to the building, designed by James Barnet to provide more space and extend the impressive arcade further east to Pitt Street. This extension was first conceived in 1868, when the first stage of the GPO was being considered.

By 1880, tenders had been called and accepted, and the laying of new foundations for the Pitt Street extension had begun. The construction of the tower progressed smoothly, with the finishing stone laid in 1885.

The ornamentation of the façade was celebrated for being in excellent taste, with the press praising the artistic skill of the highest order. Unfortunately, Barnet was unable to attend the stone laying ceremony as he was in Europe making important notes on art and architecture.

The Pitt Street extension was completed in 1887, extending the building along Pitt Street and making it the tallest civic building in Sydney.

The construction of the General Post Office in Sydney began in 1866 and was executed in two stages over more than two decades.

The architect James Barnet's design was a unique blend of the Italian Renaissance Palazzo style and elements inspired by Florentine and Venetian architecture.

Sandstone was used for the main structure, while granite was incorporated into its foundations and columns.

The Martin Place facade boasts a stunning marble statue of Queen Victoria flanked by symbolic figures representing Britannia and New South Wales.

A series of keystone heads represent continents, countries, and states, celebrating the GPO's connection to a global network of communication.

The Duke of Edinburgh ceremonially laid the keystone of the George Street entrance in 1869, marking the beginning of stage one.

However, due to labor shortages and other factors, it wasn’t until 1874 that the George Street façade was completed.

The first stage of the General Post Office building was officially opened on September 1, 1874, with a grand ceremony attended by 1,500 guests.

Postmaster-General Sir Saul Samuel delivered a speech praising the vision of James Barnet, the building's architect, during the ceremony.

Barnet himself took the stage to express his hope that with its immense size (35,247 square feet) the GPO could double the colony's capacity for managing postage.

The General Post Office in Sydney has had a fascinating history of locations. By 1830, the postal service relocated to George Street.

This new location was initially a repurposed police office, designed by Francis Greenway, one of Australia's earliest colonial architects.

By 1830, the postal service relocated to George Street, marking a significant change in the location of the General Post Office Sydney.

The new location was initially a repurposed police office designed by Francis Greenway, one of Australia's earliest colonial architects.

Enhancements in the 1840s included the addition of a Greek Doric portico by architects Abraham and Mortimer Lewis.

The old building was later deemed "very ill-adapted for the business required to be carried out in it" by a government Board of Enquiry in 1851.

Construction on a new, permanent location began in 1863, after the old building was abandoned for a provisional wooden post office at Wynyard Square.

George Street is a notable location with a unique façade. The coat of arms is a prominent feature of its design.

The classical allegories on the façade add to its grandeur. These sculptural additions are a beautiful representation of the location's rich history.

At the centre of the 100-metre Martin Place façade is a striking white marble statutory group. This group features Queen Victoria flanked by allegorical figures, making it a must-see for visitors.

The General Post Office in Sydney has a rich history that spans over a century. It was designed by James Barnet and took 10 years to complete, finally opening in 1891.

The building's evolution is a testament to the city's growth and development. It was initially designed to serve the growing population of Sydney, but it has since become a iconic landmark and a symbol of the city's heritage.

The General Post Office has undergone several transformations over the years, with the most significant one being the addition of the clock tower in 1893.

During wartime, the GPO clock tower underwent significant changes. The clock tower was disassembled in 1942 to reduce visibility in case of an air attack on Sydney.

The decision to dismantle the clock tower was made to minimize its visibility. This drastic measure was taken to protect the city from potential damage.

Here's a brief timeline of the clock tower's wartime changes:

In 1964, the clock was retrieved from storage, revealing an interesting discovery. An "Eternity" inscription by Arthur Stace was found written in chalk inside the bell.

The General Post Office in Sydney, built in 1874, was once considered the finest building in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a testament to the nation's commitment to public services during that time.

The Post Master General's statement in 1874 reflects the country's economic boom and optimism about its future. This was a young nation, but it was already making a strong impression with its architecture.

Historic buildings like the Sydney GPO are often protected on Heritage Registers to ensure their preservation for future generations. This way, even if a building needs to be updated or used for a new purpose, its original architecture remains intact.

The Taipei Beimen post office has a fascinating history, with its construction dating back to 1890 as a simple wooden building. It was rebuilt twice after burning down, and its current cement headquarters was completed in 1928-1930.

This post office in Taipei is a great example of how a historic building can be preserved and still serve its original purpose. It's now a National Historic Site and still looks fantastic from the outside.

The Taipei Beimen post office's story is a familiar one, with changes made to the building over the years as the role of the post office evolved. It's a reminder that even historic buildings need to adapt to changing times.

The General Officer has undergone significant changes throughout history. The first General Officer was appointed in ancient Rome, with the title of "Magister Militum" given to the head of the army.

In the 18th century, the British Army introduced the rank of General, which was initially reserved for senior officers who had served in high-ranking positions for many years. The rank of General was only awarded to a select few.

The American Civil War saw the introduction of new General Officer ranks, including Lieutenant General and General of the Army. These ranks were created to give senior officers more authority and prestige.

The General Officer's role has evolved to include more administrative and strategic responsibilities. Today, General Officers often serve as advisors to governments and international organizations.

The General Officer's uniform has also undergone significant changes, with modern uniforms featuring more subdued colors and simpler designs.

The first official post office in Sydney was built on Bent Street in 1819, marking the beginning of organized mail services in the colony.

It was a simple structure that housed Sydney's postal services, which were previously operated from Isaac Nichols' home.

The Postal Act of 1825 standardized mail delivery and introduced uniformed postmen and street mailboxes, making it easier for people to send and receive mail.

As the population of Sydney grew, the small post office became overcrowded and insufficient, leading to frequent complaints from staff and the public.

In 1915, the Australian government finalized the sale of the General Post Office building in Sydney to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for £175,000.

The sale was a significant one, allowing the bank to expand its operations and establish a major presence in the city.

The building's unique design, featuring a striking clock tower, made it an iconic landmark in Sydney.

The clock tower, designed by James Barnet, was a prominent feature of the building and a recognizable symbol of the city.

The sale marked a new era for the General Post Office, as it began to take on a new role in the city's financial sector.