Who was Richard Stanton? Before you stands a bust commemorating a remarkable man. Richard Patrick Joseph Stanton was born in Ireland in 1862. He arrived in Sydney as an assisted migrant. His life was far from ordinary.
Richard Stanton wasn’t just any auctioneer and real estate agent. He built an empire. He transformed Ashfield’s landscape. His Haberfield estate was innovative. He integrated subdivision house construction and tree planting. This created a ‘Garden Suburb’ a concept ahead of its time. He cleverly understood the real estate market. He didn’t just follow trends he set them. Rosebery followed Haberfield’s success. It became a model industrial suburb.
Stanton’s ambition didn’t stop there. He established a city office on Pitt Street. He was instrumental in forming the Western Suburbs Real Estate Agents Association. He bridged the gap between city and suburban agents. He created the Real Estate Auctioneers and Agents’ Association of New South Wales. This later became the Real Estate Institute. He served on its board and was even president. A true visionary Stanton traveled to North America Britain and even embarked on a world tour. His California-style timber bungalow at Rosebery influenced Sydney architecture.
Stanton’s business was highly successful. He established Stanton & Son Ltd. His sons joined the family firm. He opened eight suburban branches. He was a shrewd investor. He held numerous leadership roles. These included managing director of Bindebange station and chairman of London & Lancashire Insurance Co Ltd. He even rebuilt Stanton House on Pitt Street. Despite financial difficulties during the Depression his legacy remained strong. He advised governments on town planning and resumption schemes.
Richard Stanton was a man of substance. He had a striking appearance. He possessed carefully waved grey hair and a cleft chin. He enjoyed golf. Business however was his true passion. His efforts to improve the public perception of property agents were commendable. He strived for higher ethical standards. Sadly he died in debt in 1943 at his Potts Point home. He was cremated with Anglican rites. He left behind his wife two sons and two daughters. This bust however stands as a testament to his enduring impact on Sydney. His contributions to the city’s development are etched in stone. They are as solid as this very bust.