Johnson Laboratories

The Johnson Chemical Laboratories for physical and inorganic chemistry were built between 1932 and 1933.  They were financed with monies obtained through the Unemployment Relief Fund to the tune of £12,000 and a generous endowment by the Trustees of the estate of Captain Ronald Lindsay Johnson who had been killed while on active service in May 1917, aged 28.

Mr Justice Angas Parsons opened the Laboratories in June 1933.  Both Parsons and Johnson were great-nephews of John Angas who gave £6,000 to endow the Chair of Chemistry.  On the same day the Lecture Theatre was named in honour of Professor E.H. Rennie who had been the Angas Professor of Chemistry from 1885 to 1927.

The original two storied laboratories are designed in the Georgian Revival style.  Built in red brick with variegated roofing tiles using the Marseilles pattern they feature an elegant central portico complete with attic.  This central entrance is constructed in white cement.  Characteristic of many University buildings of this period, the Johnson Laboratories were built with an eye for the budget.  Despite this they contribute towards a homogeneous campus look in terms of overall architectural style. 

A western six storey section was constructed in 1962, partly financed through the Australian Universities Commission.

The building underwent a major renovation and refurbishment in 1995/1996.  This included the addition of a childcare facility attached to the northeast corner.

The 1932 section is designed by Walter H Bagot. It forms part of the University buildings facing Victoria Drive and the Torrens River.

Taken from:

• North Terrace Campus - Landmarks and Public Art - Self Guided Cultural Tour brochure, University Collections, 2018; University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.10
• The University of Adelaide, 1874-1974: A Statement of the Case for Supporting the University's Centenary Appeal.  1972.