Hudson and Wardrop
| Company type | Architectural practice |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder | Philip Burgoyne Hudson, James Hastie Wardrop |
| Headquarters | South Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Architectural design, notably Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance |
The architectural practice known as Hudson and Wardrop was founded in 1919 by Philip Burgoyne Hudson (1887–1952) and James Hastie Wardrop MM (1891–1975), both veterans of the First World War who had trained under Charles D'Ebro. Their most renowned project is the design of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.
Hudson & Wardrop
Following the establishment of their partnership, Hudson and Wardrop secured victory in the 1923 competition for the National War Memorial, which has since become Melbourne’s foremost public monument. Their concept took cues from the Parthenon in Athens and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, representing democratic principles and the enduring tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. In 1929, they worked alongside architect-engineer Kingsley Ussher to confirm the structural integrity of the shrine’s 'eye of light'.
The proposal
In 1928, they released The First Brochure on the First Premiated Design. The National War Memorial of Victoria, detailing their concept:
Hudson & Wardrop devoted extensive effort to crafting a Memorial that emphasizes solemn reflection over triumphalism. The design reflects core Australian values—Patriotism, Sacrifice, Justice, and Freedom—and functions as a "Shrine of Remembrance" intended to inspire ongoing commitment to these ideals.
The focal point, called "The Rock of Remembrance," is illuminated by the 'eye of light'—a precisely engineered aperture that allows sunlight to stream through at 11 a.m. on November 11—symbolizing perpetual honor and vigilance.
Positioned to harmonize with the natural slope of the hill, the Memorial is visible from Melbourne’s central area and accessible from multiple directions, ensuring it serves as a daily landmark and a navigational aid for vessels entering Port Phillip.
The company
Robert F. Howden became a junior partner in 1946. The following year, Stevenson joined, leading to the formation of Hudson Stevenson Partners. After Hudson’s unexpected passing and Stevenson's illness, Howden assumed control of the firm. Hugh McLean later joined, prompting a renaming to Hudson Stevenson Howden & McLean. Upon Stevenson’s death, the practice expanded to include both architects and engineers under the name Howden and McLean. Today, it operates as Howden & Wardrop Pty Ltd, Architects & Engineers, based at 24 Albert Road South Melbourne.
Personal
Philip Burgoyne Hudson was born in Auckland, New Zealand, son to Charles Hudson, who served as Railway Commissioner of Victoria. He attended Wellington College and The Friends College High School before relocating to Melbourne in 1903 to pursue Architecture at Melbourne University. Beginning in 1904, he was articled to Anketell Henderson and partnered with D’Ebro from 1904 to 1909 before launching his own practice that same year. Additionally, he taught architectural drafting at the Working Mens College (now RMIT University) alongside Harold Desbrowe-Annear and Haddon.
In 1910, Hudson married Ethel Elise Vincent; they had three children—one son and two daughters—and resided in a house he designed in Garden Vale in 1914.
James Hastie Wardrop was born in 1891 and enlisted with the A.I.F. in 1915. He served across Europe and undertook further studies briefly in England in 1919.
Philip Hudson
- 1914: Designed his personal residence in Garden Vale; a villa located in Garden Vale; Victoria House apartments at 220 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne
- 1915: Collaborated with Gerard Wight on the chapel at Geelong Grammar School; created a villa on Lansell Road, Toorak
- 1919: Developed brick storage and office facilities for the Korumburra and District Co-operation Butter Factory Co. Ltd. on Station Street, Korumburra
- 1924: Co-designed the National War Memorial - Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, with James Wardrop
- 1933: Extended factory premises on Spencer Street, Melbourne; remodeled a building at the intersection of Moore and Kavanagh streets; constructed a two-storey residence in Toorak
- 1934: Built doctors’ quarters at Austin Hospital; added a south wing to Geelong College; designed a house on Moorakyne Avenue, Malvern
- 1936: Created the Melbourne University Union Building; designed the Electrolux factory on Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra (since demolished)
- 1937: Erected a boarding house for Geelong College
- 1938: Converted a warehouse located at the corner of Degraves Street and Flinders Lane
- 1939: Designed the Commercial Union building at 411-3 Collins Street; created Mackie House at Geelong College
James Wardrop
- 1924: Partnered with Philip Hudson to design the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
- Built his own two-storey residence at 24 Alston Grove, East St. Kilda; developed a similar home at 39 Balaclava Road, East St. Kilda
- 1934: Constructed flats named 'Belmac' on Broadway, Elwood
- 1937: Designed Alkira House on Queen Street in the city centre
- 1938: Created the Trumold Tyre Workshop (currently 'Mossquito' Restaurant) on Queens Parade, Clifton Hill
- Designed the United Kingdom Hotel (now operating as McDonald's) also on Queens Parade, Clifton Hill
- 1939: Developed flats called 'Shirley Court' at 135 Mooltan Street, Travancore, Flemington
- Built a two-storey house in Broadford
Awards and Distinctions
In 1907, Hudson was awarded a RIVA Silver Medal for an Art Gallery competition entry and later secured first place in 1915 for his collaborative design of the Geelong Grammar School chapel with Gerard Wight. He received another RIVA Silver Medal in 1920 and held the position of RIVA president from 1924 until 1926. His most distinguished accomplishment was winning the international contest in 1924 for the National War Memorial - Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, alongside James Wardrop.
Wardrop earned a RIVA Silver Medal in 1911 for his branch bank design and also received a Bronze Medal for measured drawings. He was elected as an associate member of RIVA in 1913.