An elegant Victorian mansion houses one of Melbourne's oldest and most respected Clubs.
The Melbourne Savage Club was founded in the late nineteenth century, and across the years, has provided a unique and relaxed atmosphere for members.
Many visitors have expressed interest in the Club history and, in particular, the origins of the Club's exceptional collection of artefacts and art.
Melbourne, in 1894, was tasting the bitter aftermath of the great land boom. Against this sombre background, The Melbourne Savage Club was founded. The first President Dr Harvey E Astles, M.D, F.R.C.P, presided over a Club of "bohemian" spirit. In this respect, the Club was based upon an appreciation of music, art, drama, science and literature.
The Club name is attributed to the minor eighteenth century poet, Richard Savage, as well as being a wry double-entendre on the spirited nature of its founding members.
The early Savages not only established and secured the ideals and underlying strength of today's Club; in many outstanding instances they also contributed to the economic and cultural development of the then infant nation of Australia.
Sir Arthur Streeton, Sir John Longstaff, Frederick McCubbin and David Low were dominant figures in Art. Alberto Zelman contributed much to the world of music. Other members played important roles in medical, legal, commercial and political fields.
The early Savages not only established and secured the ideals and underlying strength of today's Club; in many outstanding instances they also contributed to the economic and cultural development of the then infant nation of Australia.
In 1923, the Club purchased the present building. Classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the Club House was built in 1884 - 85 and was the one-time property of Sir Rupert Clarke Bart. During the years of consolidation, one of Australia's most respected Statesmen played an important role in the Club's administration.
Sir Robert Menzies, K.T, C.H, Q.C, Prime Minister of Australia 1939 - 41 and 1949 - 66, served as President 1947 - 1962.
The Club possesses a rare ambience. It is spacious, restful and presents a civilized place of meeting, conversation and relaxation against a background of superb furnishings and appointments. The Savages of today are inheritors of a priceless 'home from home'. They share, in addition, a comprehensive social calendar that ensures that the Club is much more than a mere meeting and luncheon place.
The Melbourne Savage Club continues to maintain the ideals of its founding fathers. Members are accepted, based upon the criteria of good-fellowship, as well as related interests in the spheres of literature, music, drama, art or science. Today, there are few clubs of quality, and in this regard, the Savage fulfils a special role. The Savage is an 'alive' Club. Functions are frequent and rewarding, and in this age of interstate and intercontinental travel, the Club's reciprocal arrangements are of real value to travelling Savages.