Restoring Brisbane’s Iconic Lamb House: A Testament to Heritage and Craftsmanship
Perched majestically atop the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Lamb House is a heritage-listed gem that has long been a symbol of Brisbane’s architectural elegance. Built in 1902-03 for John Lamb, the successful co-proprietor of the Queen Street drapery Edwards & Lamb, this Federation-era masterpiece was designed by renowned architect Alexander Brown Wilson. With its commanding views of the Brisbane River, the CBD, and the Story Bridge, the 3,146-square-metre site is a rare example of Federation architecture in Brisbane, valued at over $6 million in 2019.
After years of neglect, Lamb House has been lovingly restored by its new owners, Steve and Jane Wilson, who embarked on a painstaking three-year restoration journey. Their goal? To honour the soul of the house while preserving its historical integrity.
A Labor of Love: The Restoration Journey
When the Wilsons acquired Lamb House in 2021, the once-grand residence was a shadow of its former self. Years of neglect had left the property vandalised, structurally compromised, and in dire need of attention. Determined to restore the home to its original glory, the couple invested over $15 million and enlisted a team of skilled artisans to breathe new life into the property.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the restoration was the preservation of the home’s timber elements, particularly the red cedar wood, which is a defining feature of the house and written into its heritage citation. Red cedar, a native Australian timber, was integral to the original design of Lamb House. However, decades of damage had left much of it in poor condition. The restoration team worked tirelessly to preserve as much of the original red cedar as possible. In cases where the wood was too damaged to salvage, it was carefully replaced with new red cedar, a process that proved to be both difficult and time-consuming due to the rarity of the material.
In addition to red cedar, the restoration also incorporated hoop pine, another native Queensland timber, to maintain the authenticity of the home’s materials. This approach reflected the overarching philosophy of the restoration: to remain true to the soul and intent of the house. Every effort was made to preserve the original structure and design, with new elements seamlessly integrated only when absolutely necessary.
The Role of Whittle Waxes Hardwax Oils
One of the standout features of the restoration was the rejuvenation of Lamb House’s timber elements, which play a pivotal role in its aesthetic appeal. To achieve a finish that was both beautiful and durable, the restoration team turned to Whittle Waxes Evolution Hardwax Oils. Known for their eco-friendly composition and exceptional performance, these oils were the ideal choice for protecting and enhancing the home’s timber floors, doors, and other wooden surfaces. The team also used Whittle Waxes Preparation Cleaner to revive neglected timber, including balustrades and wall panels that had suffered years of wear and even graffiti, as shown in the video. The cleaner lifted dirt and contaminants, restoring the timber to a sound, clean surface ready for finishing.
Whittle Waxes Hardwax Oils not only enhanced the beauty of the timber but also aligned with the Wilsons’ commitment to sustainability and quality. Their use underscores the meticulous care and attention to detail that defined every aspect of the restoration, ensuring that Lamb House remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.
A New Chapter for Lamb House
Today, Lamb House stands as a beacon of Brisbane’s architectural heritage, its red brick façade and terracotta roof tiles once again commanding attention from the city below. The Wilsons plan to share their labour of love with the community, opening the home for charity events and public tours. Their efforts have not only preserved a piece of history but also set a benchmark for heritage restoration in Australia.
As the sunlight filters through the restored stained-glass skylight, casting vibrant colours across the grand staircase, it’s clear that Lamb House is more than just a building - it’s a testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and respect for the past. And with the help of Whittle Waxes Hardwax Oils, its story will continue to shine for years to come.
Whittle Waxes Products Used in Lamb House
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The Whittle Waxes Story
Most companies go from A to Z. We went from Z (Zimbabwe) to A (Australia). What an exciting journey it has been - and it's not over yet!
Although Whittle Waxes officially launched in Australia in 2004, our journey (and love affair) with timber started a long time before that. Company founder, Giles Whittle-Herbert, grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, where he inherited a passion for working with wood that goes back generations. For many years he ran a successful carpentry business in Zimbabwe.
On arrival in Australia in 2004, Giles noticed a big gap in the market for natural and safe hardwax oils. He already had an excellent working relationship with an overseas supplier, so all he needed to do was make the Australian market aware of the many benefits of hardwax oils.
20 years later, Whittle Waxes is proud to be leading the way in the supply of natural, high quality finishes in Australian, with satisfied customers across the board, including home renovators, professional polishers, flooring suppliers, timber companies, architects, and designers.
Our Evolution Hardwax Oil continues to exceed expectations and is now a firm favourite all across the country, particularly with those who appreciate a quality finish that is safe, durable and environmentally friendly. Whittle Waxes has introduced a number of other quality products, including colour stains, exterior oils, Wax Polish and Floor Care for easy floor maintenance.
At Whittle Waxes, we genuinely love to interact with our clients so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks for all your support!