[MELBOURNE] “Hawksview”, Manningtree Road, Hawthorn, circa 1900.

Large format sepia-tone gelatin silver print photograph, 145 x 180 mm, laid down on its original board mount, 255 x 300 mm; verso inscribed in a later hand ‘Hawksview / Manningtree Road’; the print is in excellent condition; the mount has some light foxing.

“Hawksview” was an impressive Hawthorn family residence built in the 1870s, which sadly no longer stands. It was first owned by the Mitchell family, then the Mackiehans. It was auctioned twice in fairly quick succession in February 1901 and again in January 1903, when it was purchased by George Simpson. We believe the present photograph – quite possibly a unique image – was taken around the time that Simpson purchased “Hawksvew”.

The following notice for the 1901 auction, which appeared in The Australasian (Melbourne), 9 February 1901, provides us with a very good description of the property:

‘SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16. At Three O’Clock. On the Property, “HAWKSVIEW,” MANNINGTREE-ROAD (Very Convenient to Railway Station) HAWTHORN. BATTEN and CO. and C. J. and T. HAM (auctioneers in conjunction) will OFFER by PUBLIC AUCTION, under instructions from the owner, That faithfully-built and pleasantly-situated gentleman’s BRICK FAMILY RESIDENCE, Containing Ground Floor-Drawing, dining, and breakfast rooms, kitchen, pantries (3), scullery, washhouse (well fitted). First Floor-Five lofty and well ventilated bedrooms, luxurious bathroom, large linen press, &c. There is a handsome wide verandah on three sides of the house. Out-offices comprise stabling and coachhouse, man’s-room, harness-room, &c., fowl-house and
run. The whole of the interior of this property is most tastefully decorated, quite up to date and ready for immediate occupation; also forming one of the most complete residences ever offered for sale is this highly popular district, while the position is so well known and admired that comment is unnecessary. The land  prettily laid out in lawns, garden, and shrubbery, the whole forming a perfect Arcadia. Title certificate. Terms at sale. Further particulars and orders to view from the auctioneers’ offices, Melbourne, and Hawthorn’.