Thursday 22 December 2011

CHRISTMAS IN THE BLOCK ARCADE

Block Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade experience in the centre of Melbourne but going back a hundred years it was the "place to be seen".  The arcade which was erected between 1891 and 1893 was designed by architect David C. Askew whose brief was to produce something similar to the Galleria Vittoria in Milan. The result was one of Melbourne's most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings. The exterior façade of the six storey office has near identical facades on Collins and Elizabeth Streets and is one of Australia's best surviving examples of the Victorian Mannerist style.  The arcade was formerly known as "Carpenter's Lane", however the precinct was widely known as "The Block". Once the works were complete, local shopkeepers successfully petitioned to have it changed to its present name.

Christmas in the Block Arcade is quite special with decorations up and shops offering an exquisite variety of gifts for sale. The gift wrapping service makes it just so easy to get all of your Christmas gift shopping and wrapping done all at once.

This post is part of the Signs, Signs meme.

19 comments:

  1. I think I want to travel to Melbourne just to see your arcades. They look exquisitely beautiful!

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  2. What a wonderful building Nick, it looks fabulous festooned in Chrissy decs but I bet it looks tres elegant in it's everyday garb. Those Victorians sure new how to do grand!

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  3. gift wrapping service jumped out at me
    I could use that right now
    I have toys to wrap and I'm awful at it

    lovely place!!

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  4. Such a beautiful arcade and even better at Christmas.

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  5. I like those gift wrapping services.
    This is such a beautiful arcade, one could not help themselves from wanting to buy something luxurious.

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  6. What an impressive shopping area. Love the court jester. He is so very festive looking. The colors in this shot very vivid and appealing to the eye at this time of the year. Nice capture. genie

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  7. How pretty - I really like the metalwork! It certainly does look festive!

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  8. Thanks for the history. I had no idea it was modeled on the Galleria Vittoria in Milan. I can see a similarity but on a much smaller scale.

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  9. Lovely!
    I wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year full

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  10. of peace, health and LOVE….
    BShell

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  11. Thank you for your prompt visit and Kind Comment
    BShell

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  12. Thank You: that would be an honour!
    BShell

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  13. Very interesting and Colourful, festive!

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  14. loving the holiday feel here... and great photo btw.

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  15. How nice! Wish you a Merry Christmas!

    Irene

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  16. Wow! It's so colorful - and perfect for Christmas!

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  17. What a great way to experience some Christmas spirit!

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