East Melbourne, Albert Street 132, 134

These two houses were built by John O’Brien for William Lumsden and Eliza, his wife, in 1866. According to his short obituary in the Argus in 1905:

[He] came to Victoria in the early fifties. He was a practical gardener, and one of his first engagements was with the late Sir James McCulloch, with whom he remained until his appointment in 1858, under Dr. (subsequently Baron) Von Mueller to the charge of the large conservatory and seeds division in the Botanic-gardens. Ultimately, under the direction of Mr W R Guilfoyle, he became foreman of the nurseries and conservatories in the Botanic-gardens, Government-house grounds &c and capably filled the post until his retirement 11 years ago at the age of 60 years. He leaves a wife, a son, and a daughter.

William and his family lived at 132 Albert Street until about 1892 when they moved to 1119 Hoddle Street, where William died. At his death William still owned the Albert Street houses, as well as the Hoddle Street house and 46 Simpson Street.

William was the brother of David Lumsden a building contractor who for many years was in partnership with Joseph Broadbent. The two built many houses around East Melbourne, In 1879 James Dale Atchison, Broadbent’s son-in-law, was the tenant at No 134.

In 1926 Andrew Augustine Curtain bought the two houses and moved into No 134 with his sister, Mary. They lived there until their deaths, both in 1934. The Age in its obituary for him reported:

After a short illness, Mr. Andrew A. Curtain, journalist, of Albert-street, East Melbourne, died yesterday. Born at Bendigo 73 years ago, Mr. Curtain became a member of the literary staff of the Geelong "Advertiser." In the "eighties" he entered into partnership with the late Mr. A .T. Clark, M.L.A. for Willlamstown and Minister of Customs, and Mr. M. J. Smith, in the production of the Williamstown "Advertiser." Later he joined with Mr. A. Gagan in the ownership of the paper, and eventually became sole proprietor. About, seven years ago he retired, and had since lived in East Melbourne. For many years he was the Willlamstown correspondent of "The Age." He was unmarried.

In 1956 No 134 was remodelled by the architect Alex Jelinek for his close friend, artist Lina Bryans, who owned the house briefly before moving to Richmond.