Edwin Hubert Henderson Architect

This site is dedicated to the life and work of Edwin Hubert Henderson, architect (1885-1939). Henderson was Chief Architect of the Commonwealth of Australia from 1929-1939.

Fortitude Valley Commonwealth Bank

I have found a new addition to the list of Commonwealth Banks designed by EH Henderson – this time in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The National Archives in Brisbane have a … Continue reading →

January 1, 2021 · 1 Comment

The Sydney GPO Extension

The Sydney GPO Extension was one of the largest projects undertaken by the Commonwealth in the 1930s – at a total cost of £1,000,000 for the building and the land … Continue reading →

June 28, 2020 · 1 Comment

Grafton Commonwealth Bank – “a modern, attractive design”

Henderson’s work on Commonwealth Banks is nowhere more prominent than in New South Wales. During the 1930s, his work was profiled by Building magazine, with high praise indeed. The Grafton … Continue reading →

June 18, 2020 · Leave a comment

Bondi Beach Post Office and Henderson

Bondi Beach and surfing have a strong resonance in Australian culture.  While in colonial times public bathing was actually illegal, by the turn of the century the public love of … Continue reading →

July 27, 2019 · Leave a comment

Underwater Golf…or Henderson and the Royal Canberra Golf Club

Henderson loved to play golf – and his passion extended to helping extend and design the club house of the Royal Canberra Golf Club – which now lies beneath the … Continue reading →

August 4, 2018 · Leave a comment

Henderson’s Golden Key that Opened Parliament

A new exhibition at the Museum of Democracy at Old Parliament House will feature the Golden Key used to officially open Parliament House in 1927.  EH Henderson designed this key.  … Continue reading →

May 11, 2017 · Leave a comment

A sad family history

Henderson’s family had a sad history of mental illness. As we know, EHH took his own life in June 1939, aged 53.  He was said to be a man of … Continue reading →

July 3, 2016 · Leave a comment

His cup runneth over

In 1934, Henderson applied to register a design for a cup (illustrated above). This must have been a personal project he embarked on, for if it had been a product … Continue reading →

January 30, 2016 · Leave a comment

Henderson’s Professional History

Henderson was greatly esteemed in the architectural profession as his membership of professional bodies here and in the UK shows. Henderson was articled to the firm of Marshall & Tweedy … Continue reading →

January 16, 2016 · Leave a comment

Commonwealth Bank 219-225 Bourke St

This week I was contacted by Georgina Criddle who is a visual artist currently presenting a twelve-week long site-specific exhibition and newsletter at West Space, located on level 1 of the old … Continue reading →

September 5, 2015 · Leave a comment

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