Rivendell
Concord West, NSW, 2138 AU / NSW
Location Description
Rivendell (the former Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital) is situated on the southern bank of the Parramatta River in the Sydney suburb of Concord West. The main hospital complex was designed by Sir John Sulman in the Federation style based on a pavillion format; the central block for administration with two service wings separated by Italian Renaissance-style inner courtyards with fountains. The two-storied central block includes an intricately detailed three-storied tower over the main entrance, with its roof supported by caryatids. Behind the main entrance vestibule is an entertainment hall for 300 people. This hall contains seven stained glass windows, including pre-Raphaelite depictions of Temperance, Justice, Prudence, Faith, Hope and Charity, and circling the hall in gold leaf is the legend, This Hospital For Convalescents was founded by the late Thomas Walker of Yaralla in 'the hope that many sufferers would be restored to health within it'. Artisans were brought from England and Italy to work on the sandstone exterior carvings and internal wood panelling. Within the grounds there are extensive gardens and subsidiary buildings including stables, a gate house, the Joanna Walker Memorial Children's Cottage Hospital and a water gate. Many of these buildings have been renovated over the past few years.
Location Category
- HOSPITALS / MEDICAL - [general]
- HOUSES - Mansions / Estates
- HOUSING - [general]
Architecture Style
- Federal
- Italianate
