Bonython Hall

Completed in 1936 in time for the Centenary Commemoration Ceremony of the State of South Australia, Bonython Hall was a gift to the University from Sir Langdon Bonython.  Between 1930 and 1934, Sir Langdon Bonython had given the substantial sum of £52,329 (approximately AU $104,658) for the construction of a Great Hall.[1]

For some time, the location of Bonython Hall was a source of considerable debate between City Council and the University, with the present site selected by the University to prevent any future extension of Pulteney Street through its grounds (which had been Colonel William Light's original plan).[2]

The Foundation Stone was laid by Sir Langdon Bonython on 4 December 1933 and the Hall was opened on 8 September 1936 by Governor-General Lord Gowrie.[3]  The first public lecture was held a week later.

Bonython Hall was designed by Walter Bagot of Woods, Bagot, Laybourne-Smith and Irwin.[4]  The building was constructed in the Gothic style from Murray Bridge limestone, with an interior panelled in Australian oak, lightly oiled and polished.  Steel and concrete were used in the roof trusses and vaults respectively, and the roofing slates came from the Willunga quarries.  The flooring timbers are jarrah and Queensland hoop pine, and the escutcheons, forming part of the ceiling decoration, display the arms of the University and the Bonython family alternately.[5]

Bonython Hall houses a variety of portraits of former Vice-Chancellors, Chancellors and other distinguished figures associated with the University.  Today, the hall continues to be used for graduation ceremonies, lectures by distinguished visitors and occasional concerts.  In 2002, a state-of-the-art digital Makin pipe organ was also installed.