Princes Bridge Lamps

AI - Princes Bridge Lamps

The Princes Bridge lamps are decorative cast-iron lampposts on Melbourne's Princes Bridge that feature the coats of arms of the State of Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

The original bridge was built in 1888, but the current lamps were installed later in 1926. They have been part of ongoing restoration efforts, including repainting and rewiring, to preserve their historic appearance.

History and features
Original installation: The current lamps were installed in May 1926, although the bridge itself was completed in 1888.

Design: The lamps are ornate, decorative cast-iron lampposts with coats of arms featured on their bases and on the bridge's balustrade. The crests include those of the State of Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

Location: They crown the giant half-columns of the bridge and are a prominent feature of the structure, which spans the Yarra River and connects Swanston Street to St Kilda Road.

Restoration work: The lamps have been part of a larger restoration project for Princes Bridge.

Repainting: Work has involved repainting the decorative elements, including the crests and the lamps themselves, in line with Heritage Victoria guidelines.

Rewiring: The public lighting, including the lamps, has been rewired as part of the restoration.

Power: Following restoration, the power needs to be reconnected to the lamps before they can be turned back on.

❊ Address ❊

℅ Naarm
⊜ Princes Bridge Melbourne 3001 View Map

❊ Web Links ❊

➼ www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

➼ www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Bridges in Melbourne

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Update Page

Lamps return to complete Princes Bridge restoration The last of ten decorative lamps on Princes Bridge will be lifted back into place tonight as the $4.1 million project to restore of one of Melbourne's most historically significant bridges comes to an end. The first five were re-installed last night. Lord Mayor John So said the two-year restoration project had returned the 117-year-old bridge to its previous splendour. 'Princes Bridge is a much-loved Melbourne landmark. This restoration will ensure that it can meet the changing demands of a vibrant, modern, growing city for many, many years to come,' the Lord Mayor said. 'The original lead-based paint has been removed, areas of corrosion have been removed, the structure has been strengthened, and the whole bridge repainted in its current colours, which have remained the same since the 1920s. 'Princes Bridge will be looking its very best during the Commonwealth Games. The results of this restoration project are something of which all Victorians can be proud,' the Lord Mayor said. Chair of the Finance and Corporate Performance Cr Brian Shanahan said the decorative lamps on top of the bridge were carefully restored. 'The lamps, including the decorative crests and coats of arms, were repainted and restored with all the work carried out in line with requirements set-down by Heritage Victoria,' Cr Shanahan said. 'The decorative lights are a feature of the bridge. They provide a little old-world charm and character in a modern streetscape. 'The power needs to be reconnected to the lamps after they are lifted into place, so we will have to wait until a little longer before the lamps are turned back on,' Cr Shanahan said. Tuesday, 13 December 2005 AI - Princes Bridge Lamps The Princes Bridge lamps are decorative cast-iron lampposts on Melbourne's Princes Bridge that feature the coats of arms of the State of Victoria and the City of Melbourne. The original bridge was built in 1888, but the current lamps were installed later in 1926. They have been part of ongoing restoration efforts, including repainting and rewiring, to preserve their historic appearance. History and features Original installation: The current lamps were installed in May 1926, although the bridge itself was completed in 1888. Design: The lamps are ornate, decorative cast-iron lampposts with coats of arms featured on their bases and on the bridge's balustrade. The crests include those of the State of Victoria and the City of Melbourne. Location: They crown the giant half-columns of the bridge and are a prominent feature of the structure, which spans the Yarra River and connects Swanston Street to St Kilda Road. Restoration work: The lamps have been part of a larger restoration project for Princes Bridge. Repainting: Work has involved repainting the decorative elements, including the crests and the lamps themselves, in line with Heritage Victoria guidelines. Rewiring: The public lighting, including the lamps, has been rewired as part of the restoration. Power: Following restoration, the power needs to be reconnected to the lamps before they can be turned back on.