Foundations and Skylines of a City
Two Perspectives.
Melbourne like you’ve never seen
In our stunning coffee table books that are works of art
Enjoy captivating stories and side-by-side images to reveal
Melbourne’s past and present. From the ground and from the sky
We’ve all wondered how Melbourne has changed over the years.
How did the people before us live, work and dream here?
From the ground, it was grit and grandeur.
From above, geometry and light
Remember the city streets you once wandered, now lined with towers that reach for the clouds?
Have you noticed how familiar buildings have quietly transformed, old facades reborn in glass and steel?
Do you see how the skyline itself has evolved, rising higher with every passing decade?
We’ve captured these changes.
Through side-by-side imagery and immersive storytelling, explore Melbourne from two perspectives. Foundations, from the ground, and Skylines, from the sky.
Rediscover how the city was planned, settled and built, and how it continues to reach higher.
They aren’t just books; they’re cultural statements
Origins: Melbourne – Foundations of a City
From the ground up
In Origins: Melbourne – Foundations of a City, we walked the bluestone paths and traced Melbourne’s growth to the very beginning. From the dreams of Fawkner and Batman, to the foundations that shaped its streets.
Through iconic buildings, relocated facades, and stories buried beneath the noise, we rediscovered how this city was built. Brick by brick, street by street.
It’s Melbourne as seen from its Foundations
Origins: Melbourne – Skylines of a City
Look, up in the sky
In Origins: Melbourne – Skylines of a City, we look up from the horizon. From above, Melbourne reveals its patterns. The geometry of the Hoddle Grid, the curve of the Yarra, the suburbs that stretch and sprawl.
Partnering with aerial photographer Nicole Hicks, we paired historical aerials with modern day drone imagery to show how the city has climbed skyward. From church spires to glass towers.
It’s Melbourne as seen from its Skylines
What makes this book special?
Stunning Visual Comparisons
Compare the past with the present. Familiar buildings that have been shaped by development and time. So familiar, yet so different.
Evocative Sketches and Illustrations
Imagery that pre dates cameras and photos, moments in time captured by pencil and ink, paint a picture of discovery and imagination.
Rich Historical Narratives
Travel back in time and experience the early days of Marvellous Melbourne and the historic events that shaped this city.
Features
Statement pieces
Foundations contains 350 pages of gorgeous photography, while Skylines contains 160 pages. This makes them some of the largest Melbourne Coffee table books you can buy.
One of a kind, except for our other editions
More than books, they’re cultural reflections. They aren’t just souvenirs, each volume captures not only how the city has changed, but how we’ve changed with them.
Local knowledge
Written and photographed by 2 Melbourne locals. We know how special this place truly is.
Explore Historical Images and Maps
Dive deeper into the rich history of the Mornington Peninsula with our collection of historical images and maps. These captivating visuals not only enhance your understanding of the region’s past but also make for stunning additions to your home or office.
Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
There were so many marvellous images of Melbourne that even with two books, it was hard to leave anything behind.
Foundations explores Melbourne from the ground, while Skylines captures it from the sky. Together, they tell one story.
Splitting the series into two volumes was the perfect way to do Melbourne justice without compromising on detail or beauty.
Created by Julian Varricchio, alongside his best mate, Jack Ruben.
Julian is the Photographer and also the Editor. With stories written by Jack.
These are the third and fourth books in the Origins Series. Origins: Mornington Peninsula was released in November 2024, selling out of initial stock in just 4 months! Origins: Ballarat then followed in June 2025, also selling out!
Foundations is priced at $140, this 350-page book is the culmination of six months of dedicated work. Skylines is priced at $100 and is a 160-page book. While you may find many other coffee table books cheaper, they will likely only be half the size of Foundations. This price reflects the extensive research, high-quality printing, and beautifully designed layout, making it a valuable keepsake that captures the essence of Melbourne.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in local history, photography, and storytelling. It’s ideal for long-time residents of Melbourne and Victoria, history enthusiasts, and visitors who want to learn more about the area.
The book features side-by-side comparisons of historical and present day photographs, along with compelling narratives and sketches that bring Melbourne’s past and present to life.
The unique combination of side-by-side images, evocative sketches, and rich historical narratives sets this book apart. It offers a visual and storytelling journey that highlights Melbourne’s evolution and the stories behind its iconic locations.
Yes, the book covers the Melbourne CBD and the streets within it, each with its own unique story and visual history. The book includes:
- Flinders Street
- Spencer Street
- William Street
- Lonsdale Street
- Queen Street
- Elizabeth Street
- Swanston Street
- Russell Street
- Spring Street
- Exhibition Street
- Collins Street
- Bourke Street
- Yarra River
- A multitude of Laneways and Little Streets throughout the CBD
Yes, the book is available in both hard copy and digital formats, allowing you to enjoy it in the way that suits you best.