Australian Tapestry Workshop

Architect: T. J Crouch 1885, Peter Carmichael 1976, Williams Boag Architects 2001

Inner South | IS04

Building Description

The Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) occupies a National Trust and heritage-listed building in South Melbourne. Designed by prominent Melbourne architect T. J Crouch it is a distinctive example of Victorian Free Gothic architecture style. Externally Crouch’s design is dominated by a heavily ornamented façade of white Oamaru (NZ) limestone surmounted by an elaborate parapet and squat central tower. The single storey showroom, now the ATW tapestry weaving studio is spanned by light wrought iron trusses, on exotic cast-iron columns, naturally lit by sawtooth skylights. The building opened in 1885 as Harcourt and Parry Emporium a drapery establishment for the pioneer Victorian colonist Edwin Harcourt and was later adapted for use as the Patross Knitting Mills. In 1976, a renovation by Peter Carmichael transformed a derelict and dingy factory space into a spacious, light-filled studio – a perfect home for the ATW. In 2001 further improvements were carried out by Williams Boag Architects to include new public areas including, a yarn shop, gallery spaces and viewing mezzanine. Today it is maintained as a vibrant and dynamic public space for creative collaboration and the weaving of contemporary tapestries.

What's On

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe our weavers at work on tapestries, and to look down into the colour laboratory. Two galleries featuring exhibitions of contemporary tapestries, textiles and art are also open. Free guided-tours and drop in drop out hands-on weaving activities will be available throughout the day.

On Saturday 27 July 2019 Emerald Hill and surrounds will light up for Open Doors Emerald Hill – the inaugural winter arts festival bringing together the best of arts and culture in South Melbourne.

Open Doors Emerald Hill brings together disability arts culture, visual arts, music, dance, literature, heritage architecture and Indigenous culture and performance in a one-day free event that’s accessible to all.

Coinciding with Open House Melbourne 2019, Open Doors Emerald Hill will take place over one action-packed day on Saturday 27 July, from 10 am until 8 pm. Find the full program and schedule here.

Location