The Great Hall of the University at Sydn…

Scarce, early engraving of the interior of Sydney University’s Great Hall. In 1854, Edmund Thomas Blacket began designing the University’s Great Hall. The original colonial architect, Blacket’s design was intended to mirror the Tudor Gothic style seen in the London Guildhall, the Banqueting House at Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Hall in England. The foundations were laid in 1855 and by July 1859, the Great Hall was ready for unveiling. A grand music festival was held over a week to commemorate the momentous opening of University buildings to the public.

From the original edition of the Illustrated London News.

References:
De Vries, L. History as Hot News: World of the Early Victorians Through the Eyes of the “Illustrated London News”.. London 1996 :.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 8438724
State Library Victoria: RARELTEF 052 IL696I
State Library New South Wales: RECORD IDENTIFIER 74Vv5Oy4wEgl