Right here stands Levy and Robinson’s Warehouse. This building whispers tales of Melbourne’s bustling past. It dates back to 1857.
Levy and Robinson’s Warehouse is one of the oldest buildings of its type in this part of the city. The three-story bluestone structure was built for Levy and Robinson. They were fancy goods importers.
The building’s frontage shows its age. The ground floor features rusticated stone. The first floor is rendered.
Let’s step back to the mid-19th century. The Levy brothers Goodman, Nathaniel, and Lewis established a fancy goods warehouse. It was also an importing business. This was in Lonsdale Street in 1852. Another brother, Alfred, worked as a travelling salesman.
When Queen’s Arcade opened in 1853, they seized the opportunity. They took one of the corner shops. Soon they expanded to five or six shops.
William Kelly described the business. His description was unfortunately tinged with anti-Semitism. He spoke of a “leviathan emporium” filled with diverse goods.
The Levy brothers stocked a wide array of items. Combs and brushes were common. Perfumery and stationery were also popular. Jewellery and musical instruments attracted customers. They also sold cabinet ware and papier mache. Berlin wools and French china added variety. Bohemian glass and basket ware completed the picture. Porte monnaies, pictures, and glassware tempted buyers. Games, looking glasses, and toys delighted children. Boxing gloves, masks, and foils catered to sporting interests. Druggists’ sundries rounded out the offerings.
The brothers promoted their stock. They claimed it was the finest and most extensive collection of fancy goods in the colony. They regularly received shipments directly from manufacturers. One brother even went to Europe. He purchased goods specifically for the colonies.
In 1858, the business expanded. It moved to larger premises at 24 Bourke Street East. This was between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets. They remained there for several years. The brothers advertised their move. They announced a sale of their entire retail stock. This was regardless of cost. They encouraged people furnishing their homes to take advantage of the low prices.
Eventually, they moved again. They relocated to the corner of Flinders Lane and Elizabeth Street. Later they moved to 14 Little Collins Street. In 1890, the business returned to Lonsdale Street.
Nathaniel and Lewis retired in 1867. Goodman took on a partner, Walter Josephs. Tragedy struck when Alfred was murdered. He was on the road from Beechworth to Melbourne. Shortly after Goodman moved to England. He managed the London end of the business. In 1896, Horace Goodman’s son became a partner. Walter Josephs died in 1907. The business became a Limited Proprietary company.
In 1912, the business operated at 271-273 Lonsdale Street. They also had a bulk store in Franklin Street. Their advertisements described them as merchants. They were wholesale distributors and importers. They had operations in London, Hamburg, and New York. Their stock evolved over time. They added enamelware and hollowware. Aluminium ware and guns appeared. Ammunition and E.P. ware were also sold. Chinaware, glassware, and general crockery remained popular. Fancy goods and basket ware continued to be staples. Watches, jewellery, sporting materials, toys, and fireworks joined the selection. Pianos, organs, and graphophones reflected changing tastes.
Levy Bros. issued a penny token dated 1855. They also issued trade checks. At that time their premises were in Queens Arcade.
Levy and Robinson’s Warehouse stands as a reminder. It reminds us of Melbourne’s commercial history. It shows the entrepreneurial spirit of early merchants. It is a tangible link to a bygone era.