Unearthing North Shore's forgotten architect

Learn how Edward Skelton Garton was ‘rediscovered’ by citizen heritage sleuths and how a jigsaw of historical information was connected to help piece together the incredible story of an amazing man whose legacy contributed so much to local heritage.

This talk is researched and presented by the Cremorne Conservation Group and the Harrison-Bennett Precinct. North Sydney Council Historian Dr Ian Hoskins will show evidence of Edward Skelton Garton’s work from Stanton Library’s archival collection.

About Edward Skelton Garton

At the time of Federation in 1901, Sydney’s lower North Shore went through a period of rapid urban development. A key local identity at the time was the multifaceted Edward Skelton Garton. Architect, developer, poet, ANZAC, expat and ultimately bankrupt, Garton led a very colourful life. But his incredible life story has been largely forgotten.

Garton also served as an alderman on Mosman Council and mentored Australia’s first female architect, Florence Taylor. Garton designed and built many houses in and around Cremorne, as well as being responsible for the heritage building ‘Leesthorpe’ in Mosman.

Host or Publisher Stanton Library