Bonython Hall was a gift to the University of Adelaide from Sir John Langdon Bonython whose intention was for the University to have a great ceremonial hall.
It is built in the Gothic style using Murray Bridge limestone and Australian oak panelling on inside.
It is used for University ceremonies such as graduations as well as high profile lectures and community events.
Architect: Walter Bagot of Woods, Bagot, Laybourne Smith and Irwin.
Bonython Hall is South Australian Heritage Registered.
*In the presence of a brilliant gathering the foundation stone of the Bonython Great Hall, the gift of Sir Langdon Bonython to the Adelaide University, was laid by the donor on Monday afternoon, December 4.
His Excellency the Governor (Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven), the Chancellor of the University (Sir George Murray), the Vice-Chancellor (Sir William Mitchell), the Professors of the University, and leading men were present. Tributes were paid to the public-spirited benefactions, particularly in the cause of education, of Sir Langdon Bonython. [Ref: Narracoorte Herald 12-12-1933]
Bonython Hall was opened 8 September 1936 by his Excellency Brigadier General the Right Honourable Lord Gowrie VC, GCMG, CB, DSO, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia: in the Centenary year of the State of South Australia and the Diamond Jubilee year of the University of Adelaide.
*Nearly 1,600 people, including 1,400 invited guests, crowded into the main body of the hall and galleries for the ceremony, which was most impressive. Members of the audience rose to their feet as members of the University Senate and professorial and lecturing staffs, many robed in brightly coloured gowns denoting their degrees and faculties, filed into the hall.
They again stood when the Governor-General and Lady Gowrie, the Governor (Sir Winston Dugan) and Lady Dugan were escorted to the crimson carpeted dais by the Chancellor (Sir George Murray), the Vice-Chancellor (Sir William Mitchell), and the Warden of the Senate (Sir Angas Parsons).
"We rejoice that the State is growing old, that the University is becoming venerable, and that Your Excellency as Governor-General is still, so to speak, in your infancy”, added the Chancellor.
Sir George said that Sir Langdon had fulfilled a long-cherished hope. He was disclosing no secret when he said that Sir Langdon was satisfied with the reality that Mr Walter Bagot, the architect, and skilled craftsmen had created.
The University had received the stately gift with profound emotion. It was yet too early for a full expression of gratitude to Sir Langdon for his splendid generosity. Deep as that sense was now, it would become ever stronger and deeper as generation succeeded generation and century followed century in the history of what might be justly termed this favoured city of learning.
"The first thought that occurs to me on an occasion like this," said Lord Gowrie, "is how fortunate South Australia is in having among her citizens men of generous and patriotic spirit who do so much for the benefit of the State.
"In a city where the value of education is so thoroughly realised, it is fortunate that we find public-spirited citizens who are able and willing to donate magnificent buildings of this description to the seat of learning in their State.
"Sir Langdon Bonython has for many years been a generous and active patron of education. For 18 years he was chairman of the Adelaide School Board, and it is mainly owing to his efforts and generosity that we owe our School of Mines, the presidency of which he held for 47 years.
"He has been an active member of the University Council. His endowment of the Chair of Law, and now this magnificent building furnish undoubted proof of the value he places on education."
Not only in the sphere of education had Sir Langdon Bonython shown his interest, but his magnificent donation towards the completion of Parliament House proved the value he attached to the dignity of the Parliamentary institutions. His own political experience enabled him to realise that a suitable setting was indispensable to the houses in which the laws of the land were framed.
Lord Gowrie congratulated the architect, Mr Walter Bagot, who again had given proof of his genius. He had combined architectural beauty and harmony with the selected setting in a building suitable for the purpose for which it will be required.
He paid a tribute, too, to Mr James Henderson and all who had taken an active and efficient part in its construction. They have realised that every building, great or small, had its own character and formed part of a prospect on which many eyes would rest, and that the designers of these buildings had a duty not only to those who occupy them, but to those who pass by as well. In this building he felt sure they had combined these two important factors.
“The group of well-planned buildings which we see growing up round us here today are automatically developing the university spirit in this city," continued Lord Gowrie, "and by their presence the influence of the University will expand and will enhance the reputation which Adelaide already enjoys for culture, refinement, and education.
"In Adelaide there is an atmosphere of dignity: there is an absence of that rush and hustle and noise which is so common and so unpleasant in many of the great cities of the world today. She has great natural physical beauty which is enhanced by the dignified, imposing and stately buildings of this University.
"So a gift like this, which not only aids to the physical beauty of this city, but at the same time helps and encourages the mental development of the rising generation, is a gift of priceless value to the State. Future generations will have cause to be grateful to Sir Langdon Bonython for his princely gift.
Sir Angas Parsons, supporting the Vice-Chancellor's remarks, said that they welcomed Lord and Lady Gowrie after their grand tour of Australia, and were pleased to have them in their own home again.
Sir Angas said he wondered whether Sir Langdon, when he came ashore at Port Adelaide 82 years ago, had any dreams of what he might do during his long life - the carving out of a career, the making of a fortune, and the dedication of his services and wealth in the interests of the community.
The audience stood and warmly clapped as Sir Langdon rose to support the vote of thanks to the Governor-General. In a clear, firm voice, Sir Langdon recalled that, as Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, Lord Gowrie had attended the laying of the foundation stone of the hall.
"Many years have elapsed since I determined to provide the University with a hall worthy of the City of Adelaide. and I am glad and very thankful that I now see it completed," Sir Langdon continued.
"Everybody admires the hall, including people whose expert opinion has exceptional value. They regard it as a most important contribution to the architecture of the Commonwealth. I am especially pleased with the approval and enthusiasm of this large audience.
"Such expressions of gratitude and goodwill are ample reward for anything I may have done.” [Ref: News (Adelaide) 8-9-1936]
Supporting the vote of thanks. Sir Langdon said he had not forgotten that when Governor of South Australia, Lord Gowrie was present at the laying of the foundation stone, so there were special reasons for gratitude at his presence there that day. He included in his thanks his Excellency the Governor (Sir Winston Dugan). who had watched with keen interest the progress of the building.
“To me it is a source of satisfaction to realise that the hall will be a lasting tribute to the artistic skill of Mr Bagot.
Allow me to take this opportunity of expressing my personal thanks to the contractor, Mr Jarvis, and all who have been associated with him.
Let me add that Mr James Henderson has again proved himself an ideal clerk of works”. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 9-9-1936]
