Page 194 - KBHA BULLETIN 6

construction started. It was completed in September 1935. The name was changed to

"Rodwell House" circa 1960.

Marine Aquarium

The Marine Aquarium was both the laboratory and home of Professor John Gilchrist from

1902 until his death from tuberculosis, while still working in the laboratory, in October
1926. Here Gilchrist researched with great success the development of fishes from the egg

through to the larval stage. This was very important in assessing the recruitment of fish

stocks and much of the material he used came from False Bay.

The building consisted of display tanks and a research laboratory downstairs, and upstairs

catered for Gilchrist’s accommodation. The block-shaped quarry stone building was
constructed in two stages. Stage One (1902): single workroom and one tank; Stage Two

(1905): a further workroom, a large tank and upstairs living quarters. The large tank was a
great public attraction. A later tank in 1907 was added to cater for the public’s interest.

More then 10,000 people passed through the turnstiles in 1913 – so great was the interest
and fascination in the sea creatures, especially from up-country visitors.

After Gilchrist’s death in 1926 the Department of Sea Fisheries moved the Aquarium to a
more convenient site in Sea Point. Thereafter the Aquarium was little used and fell into

disrepair, closing in 1936. The Union Government hired it out for a short while as a studio
to the well known artist G. W. Pilkington. His paintings of beach scenes, sea and waves

were his speciality and today fetch high prices. G. W. lived at "Oriana" in Ley Road where
Mr. George Boyes, after whom Boyes Drive is named, once lived.

The City Council bought the Aquarium from the Union Government in 1950 for £3550 for
the purpose of establishing a pavilion/tea room. Apparently someone had not done their

homework correctly and not five years later on the 29 July 1954 the City Council adopted

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