Members Hour: Caroline Simpson Library for Burdekin House
Welcome to Members Hour: Caroline Simpson Library for Burdekin House
In 1933, central Sydney witnessed the demolition of Burdekin House. The grand three-storey mansion on Macquarie Street was built in 1841 for merchant Thomas Burdekin and had long been prized by historians and artists alike as a superb example of colonial architecture. Yet it became another victim of Sydney’s urban development. The loss of the house outraged many Sydneysiders and became a rallying symbol for the nascent heritage movement. The ongoing public reaction to the loss of Burdekin House contributed to a movement that would ultimately save other historic sites at risk of demolition including The Mint and the Hyde Park Barracks.
Led by Mel Flyte, Collection Discovery Assistant at the Caroline Simpson Library, enjoy a members only viewing of the latest library display focused on Burdekin House.
Grab a delicious lunch and browse our curated range of books, homewares and gifts at Bullion Store where members enjoy 10% off dinning and shopping. Then take a short stroll to 197 Macquarie Street to where Burdekin House once stood.
Members Hour provides members with special access to our museums and experts.
Bookings essential; registrations open soon.
Not a member? Find out more here.
Caroline Simpson Library
The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000- Cafe
- Wheelchair accessible
- Tuesday 28 July 1pm–2pm
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Members Hour provides members with exclusive access at our properties. Members enjoy exclusive events, experiences, discounts and priority access to tickets
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Burdekin House - St Malo columns
If the fluted timber columns made for Burdekin House now look a little battered and perhaps not as elegant as they were in the mid-19th century, it is hardly surprising after surviving two house demolitions
Salvaging a future for Sydney’s demolished buildings
When important historic buildings were demolished in 20th-century Sydney, one way to remember them was by saving, perhaps for re-use, some of their more notable architectural features
Legislating for historic places
The recent digitisation of a collection of black and white photographic negatives given to the Historic Houses Trust in 1995 has sparked an exploration of early efforts to protect significant historic buildings through legislation