page_title: James Barnet
section_title: Sydney International Exhibition building
hierarchical_section_title: James Barnet / Colonial architect / Major Sydney public buildings / Sydney International Exhibition building
caption_attribution_description: English: The Garden Palace, Sydney. Southern elevation. 1870s architectural drawing.
context_page_description: James Johnstone Barnet, was the Colonial Architect for Colonial New South Wales, serving from 1862 to 1890.
context_section_description: In 1879, Barnet was put in charge of the design and erection of the Sydney International Exhibition building.  The Colonial Architect's Office completed this large task in nine months, including preparing 412 drawings, management of the accounts and payments associated with the project, and supervision of the building.  Night shifts were used to get through the project using the first electric light in Sydney.  Although the project was judged a success at the end, Barnet was constantly criticised in Parliament during the construction.  The project overran its budget of £50,000 by more than three times, costing £184,570.
  Barnet had previously been criticised in 1874 over the new wing of the Australian Museum by the Museum's trustees and a select committee of the Legislative Assembly.  By contrast, also in 1874, the first stage of his General Post Office in Martin Place received high praise, putting aside the much criticised carved figures  in the arcade.
caption: Architectural drawing of the Garden Palace, Sydney, Southern elevation
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