OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - TASMANIA - 2007

Place:    Land at 270 Lenah Valley Road,  Lenah Valley adjacent to Lady Franklin Museum

Threat:  Destruction and Complete Loss of Heritage Values

Significance:

Acanthe” with 400 acres was originally given in Trust.  Only 5 of the 400 acres remains in public hands.  Obtaining approx 6 acreas of land would protect Lady Franklin’s Museum views from “Acanthe” the building erected by Lady Jane Franklin.  The Lady Franklin Museum is of historic heritage significance as it has the ability to demonstrate early colonial attempts to foster cultural and scientific appreciation in the colony. This understanding is enhanced by the parkland setting which signifiies the relationship between man and nature.

 The Lady Franklin Museum demonstrates the principal characteristics of an Old Colonial Grecian sandstone cultural/community building. The Lady Franklin Museum is also valued by the community as a significant demonstration of the Old Colonial Grecian architectural style. The building is able to demonstrate a high degree of design and construction achievement. Also significant are its associations with Lady Jane Franklin (wife of Sir John Franklin, the Governor of the colony), as well as its associations with the notable architect, James Blackburn.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:           Immediate Risk – no solution agreed

Threats/Risks:             Devaluation

Fate/outcome:             Suffering

The Greek revival style Acanthe designed by James Blackburn was the centrepiece of an ambitious project initiated by Lady Jane Franklin. Designed as a Museum this building was intended to sit in a park like setting in which Mt Wellington formed the dramatic backdrop. This extraordinary colonial vision which has survived largely intact is now threatened by the proposed extensive subdivision of land in the immediate vicinity of Acanthe.  

Desired Outcome / Vision: 

The purchas of approximately 6 acres of land to protect the Lady Franklin’s Museum views from “Acanthe” the building erected by Lady Jane Franklin.