Harry Norris
| Harry Norris | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 June 1888 |
| Died | 15 December 1966 (aged 78) |
| Occupation | Architect |
Harry Norris (12 June 1888 – 15 December 1966) was an Australian architect, one of the more prolific and successful in Melbourne in the interwar period, best known for his 1930s Art Deco commercial work in the Melbourne CBD. His designs were informed by his regular overseas trips, especially to the United States, which he visited at least every 18 months from perhaps the late 1920s; and he was one of the very first architects to introduce Art Deco style buildings to central Melbourne. He had a strong relationship with the wealthy Nicholas family, designing not only the Nicholas Building, but the simpler yet similar Nicholas Factory in South Melbourne, and the spectacular mansion 'Burnham Beeches' in the Dandenongs in the early 1930s for Alfred Nicholas. He aso had a long relationship with G J Coles, designing branches of their eponymous Coles Stores from the late 1920s, numerous matching Art Deco branches in the 1930s, and some of their earliest supermarkets in the 1950s, as well as country house for E.B.Coles in 1938. He refused membership of the RVIA until finally joining on the 21 February 1946. Harry Norris retired on his 76th birthday in June 1966 and died 6 months later.
Address: 27-41 Swanston Street Date of construction: 1925-26, 1939-40 (extension) Client: Alfred Nicholas The Nicholas Building is the most distinctive commercial palazzo in Melbourne. The facade is an essay in the Commercial Palazzo or Stripped Classical on a grand scale, with classical elements such as tall ionic pilasters and Doric columns and a wide cornice, all executed in terracotta faience. The Cathedral Arcade is located on the ground floor and its glazed leadlight barrel vaulted ceiling is a main feature of the building. Norris had his architecture practice from 1926 until moving to 136 Jolimont Road East Melbourne in the 1950s. The Nicholas Building was originally used as offices and retail, and as of the 2010s is know for specialist retail and the creative industries.
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