In 2023, archaeological excavations were undertaken by Dr Vincent Clark Archaeology & Heritage at 276-278 Little Lonsdale Street, on the western corner of Zevenboom lane; one of a handful of lanes included in the Royal Historical Society of Victorias recent exhibition, Melbourne’s Storied Laneways.

 With the exhibition focus on small factories and light industry, DVCA’s findings contributed valuable insights from the early 19^th century occupation of the site by wheelwright and blacksmith Edward Pope and his family, to the late 19^th and early 20^th century use by the Zevenboom brush company, through to the mid-20^th century when the Phillips Shirt Company occupied the site.

Curated by David Thompson and designed by Daisy Searls, the exhibition features photographs provided by DVCA of significant structural remains such as an early basalt forge, unique artefacts including children’s toys and of course, the DVCA team hard at work excavating the site!

A big thanks to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria for including us in the exhibition, and congratulations for hosting a wonderful and well attended opening reception.