Benham Laboratories

The Benham Laboratories were built in 1939 as a result of the bequest of Dr F Lucas Benham (1855-1939), a medical practitioner who donated £51,000 to the University to encourage the promotion and study of natural history.  Originally they were designed to accommodate the Departments of Botany and Zoology.  Today Botany is the sole occupant.

The Laboratories are a two-story building (including a basement) and like many of the University buildings of this era are built of red brick with a cement base.  They were estimated to cost about £35,000.  In 1941 a Plant House was added next to the northern wall of the Laboratories adjacent to Victoria Drive at a further cost of £787.  This position was deemed to be the only suitable sunny location for such a facility.

Taken from:

• University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.11