History University of Queensland Mayne Medical School

mayne medical school, 1941



the entrance, 1941

the first sketch plans proposed medical school prepared nowland in february 1936. modest, three-storey, brick , concrete building in adaption of romanesque style accommodating teaching spaces envisioned 150 students sited on northern part of site adjacent brisbane general hospital main entrance weightman street. design rejected faculty of medicine suggested simple greek front double columns on either side of main entrance porch give building more dignified , characteristic appearance , better , more striking distance . new sketch plans prepared larger scheme three-storey building of brick, concrete , steel structure flat roofs in renaissance style again rear of site main entrance herston road. school constructed design except lantern roof replaced dome. building has been planned accommodate further wings each end.

the monumentality , civic grandeur given medical school reflect importance of building government, university of queensland , medical profession.

when building opened ground floor contained: main hall; main office; various laboratories , associated facilities including mortuary. library, laboratories, lecture rooms, associated offices , equipment rooms occupied first floor. second floor accommodated main galleried lecture theatre, museum, 2 laboratories , associated support rooms. animal house stood on flat roof west. consideration had been given provision of services , use of suitable materials facilitate effective operation of building. windows except on south-east glazed anti-actinic glass of soft bluish-green counteract glare , reduce heat transmission. other services , fittings included sound-proofing, ventilating systems, refrigeration, stainless steel , chromium-plated fittings, , specialised electrical , drainage systems. double wall running length of building rear corridor houses horizontal , vertical service ducts. furniture , fittings throughout building of queensland timbers , constructed in government s ipswich road workshop.

there finely crafted decorative work throughout public spaces including stained timber panelling , decorative carved timber work entrance lobbies , hall, decorative plaster work walls , ceilings, leadlight , cut glass work doors , fanlights.

since 1939, medical students @ university of queensland have passed beneath decorative elliptical arch between main entrance hall , rear corridor bears inscription articulating philosophy upon school established cum pietate et sanctitate hanc artem meam profitebor freely translated may members of general community profit art , skill of learn, deference , respect, profession in place.

the building has been altered including refurbishment of galleried lecture theatre, library, offices , laboratory areas , roof accommodation. annexe has been constructed east direct connecting link medical school , research , teaching facility has been erected west separated school building open walkway. exterior of building substantially intact. alterations have diminished interiors , distorted internal spatial relationships original internal fabric remains including main entrance hall , main office, rear entrance porch , telephone booth, terrazzo flooring throughout building including fine examples of terrazzo in entrances, panelling, joinery including doors , windows, shelving, furniture, anti-actinic glazing windows , leadlight , cut glass decorative glazing doors , fanlights. although altered internally, building retains overall spatial integrity , continues function teaching , research facility medical education in queensland.

the medical school has been associated training of medical graduates university of queensland since 1939 , recognised achievements in teaching, service , research. school has exerted significant influence on teaching hospitals in queensland , research groups associated school continue make major contributions medical science.

dr james mayne



emelia mayne

on deaths of brother , sister dr james o neil mayne (1939) , mary emelia mayne (1940), substantial estates bequeathed medical school. name mayne medical school recognition of these bequests continue fund medical school day through assets such brisbane arcade.