The Blackstone apartments at 28 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, in were built in 1920 as an investment for their owner. They were designed by Vennard and Allen, architects.

The facade features cantilevered Oriel bay windows to achieve maximum internal light penetration, an ancient design first featured at Oriel College, Oxford, circa 1410. Terrazzo steps, Ionian columns and a large arch are integrated into the design, all in the neo-classical tradition popular during this period.

In addition to its 18 units, an undercroft of additional apartments is incorporated to maximise the site’s footprint, with light wells providing additional amenity. A beautiful grey marble-walled foyer with original features is still retained as a flag pole sits nobly on top of the façade balustrade.

The actual provenance of the name, Blackstone, is unknown. However, if the investor was a lawyer it is possible they may have chosen the name as a reminder of the significance of the famous 18th century English Blackstone Law Reports, written by a former Judge, Sir William Blackstone.

Coincidentally, Mr Vennard, one of the building’s architects, then went on to design the Raymond apartments adjacent, at 68 Elizabeth Bay Road, in the late 1920s-30s.

On 13th September 1920 The Construction and Local Government Journal published a double-page article, “Miscellaneous Architecture’” which featured the The Blacktstone apartments below the heading “Blackstone Flats, Elizabeth Bay, Potts Point, Sydney.”

The article notes: “These flats were designed by Vennard & Allen, architects, and were built as an investment; the owner here, however, has recognised that some consideration for architectural effect helps the proposition, for, with the exception of the odd effect produced by the different treatment to the central openings on the ground floor in a building where symmetry prevails, the building has character, is purposeful and pleasing. Wall beds have been introduced, to numerous rooms, effecting a saving of space and extra rooms.”

By Andrew Woodhouse, Director, Heritage Solutions

Image: The Blackstone apartments featured a space-saving novelty – wall beds – despite “the odd effect” of two symmetrical façade arches with different design treatments.