Collins Street in spring, Ivy Burton Fox, 1955–59.

Collins Street used to be the home of galleries, libraries, newspapers, publishers, and artistic, musical and literary clubs. Perhaps the most legendary address was Grosvenor Chambers, at 9 Collins Street. From 1888 until the 1950s this three-storey building housing artists' studios was a magnet for Melbourne's artistic community. Here, artists and photographers lived, painted, exhibited and entertained. Further along the street the Austral Buildings, Temple Court and Dudley House were also artistic hubs.