When the Brisbane Arcade opened in 1924 it was Brisbane's showpiece of retail shopping.
"The Brisbane Arcade was opened in 1924. It was constructed at a cost of £70 000 for James O'Neil Mayne and Mary Emelia Mayne whose father, Patrick Mayne, had purchased the property as two adjoining allotments in 1853 (allotment 2 of section 10, with a frontage to Queen Street) and 1854 (allotment 17 of section 10, with a frontage to Adelaide Street)." Taken from the Queensland Heritage Register.
When John Abson and Sidney Spurr opned their new Arcadia Shoe Salon in the Brisbane Arcade as one of the first tenants it would have also been a highlight of Brisbane's retail shopping.
Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903; 1916 - 1926), Sunday 30 March 1924, page 6
NEW ARCADE
TENANTS' ACTIVITIES.
ARCADIA SHOE SALON.
This salon, which opens on April 2, is under the direction of Messrs. John S. Abson (late manager. Strand Shoe Store), and Sydney S. Spurr (recently manager for Rigney's), It has been the centre of attraction for the past few days by reason of its Mannequin Show of Shoes in one of the principal windows at the Adelalde street end of the Arcade.
Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), Sunday 16 April 1933, page 11
AN OLD ENGLISH RESIDENCE AT HAMILTON
Attractive Home Built on Old English Style
Situated on a beautiful site at Hamilton, commanding an uninterrupted view of the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay to the east and the city to the west, Tewkesbury, the charming home of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Abson, presents an attractive picture. Of an old English style, this residence has been adapted to suit the Queensland climate and local conditions.
?mm N account of the narrowness fy f\ of the site, it was essenI I I tial to build upwards in I \J order to fulfil the accomJ*^*V modation needs of the ^Y^ owners; and it is here mAAMaM that ? the architect has scored a signal victory by the introduction of the long, sloping roof with a slight curve at the bottom, which has the effect of caressing the entrance. Without this treatment
tLe house -would aave assumed a narrow, uninteresting effect with the gable perched on top. Colour is introduced by vari-coloured shingles on the balcony. Tho house is built of brick throughout, with cavity walls, and is skilfully treated with white roughcast which at points, such as the chimney, is broken effectively by rubble stonework of various shades. This relieves the morotony of what would otherwise be a ^at, white surface. The bay ingle has been made the relieving feature of tho southern elevation, with its rustic stonework worked into the walling, with points of interest such as tile covered setoffs to the chimney and vari-coloured shingles on the balcony adjoining. It tends to give the relief in colour so necessary to a two-story residence of this type. A glimpse is also obtained of the garage, which is so situated that a car may be driven under the house in wet weather, and entrance to tho interior obtained by conveniently situated stairways, all under cover. Time has had its mellowing effect, and capped by Marseilles pattern tiles, together with ingle and chimney set-offs, green shutters, and flower boxes below the windows, the effect is such that the years will increase its beauty. As the site slopes steeply from front to rear effective accommodation is provided for car, laundry, and other such conveniences. The rear portion of the house is, unfortunately, too steep to allow of effective photograph, and is therefore not illustrated. Free advantage is taken of the steep slope, and gardens, pathways, and shrubberies are cleverly arranged in 6uch a fashion that actually this is a house without a back yard, a most uncommon thing in Brisbane. The front entrance has a crazy-paved path extending from the gate to the brick etepB, a fascinating entrance definitely English on account of its bracketed wall lamp, set in the white stucco. From the entrance hall the lounge is entered through Luxfer glass doors that slide into a cavity in the wall.
The walls ere panelled to door height surmounted by a plate shelf supported upon cut brackets. An open fire-place with a glazed brick arch and hobbs, genuinely intended for a log fire, dominates this room and gives a feeling of warmth and comfort on a chilly night. The mock beams stained a dark oak tint lends to the interior that old English effect so evident without. On looking down the hall a charming example of a breakfast nook meets the eyes, and here again cosiness is the dominating impression, and, being placed alongside the kitchen, should be a much-used and comfortable room. On the right of the hallway is situated the dining room, which leads out ou to a small veranda, an ideal spot on a hot night. The stairways lead from the hall to a half landing, and thence to the first floor bedrooms. The impression the inside of Tewkesbury gives the visitor is the skilful arrangement of conveniences, and the remarkable number of nooks, which all seem to fit into their appointed place, and none of which are superfluous. This residence was built by Mr. H. Ryan to the plans and under the supervision of Messrs. Chambers and Ford, architects.
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