b'Arthur Wigram Allen Arthur Wigram Allen enjoyed a life of affluence, havingfamily life and the visits of many dignitaries and celebrities, inherited considerable wealth from his father, SirGeorgeincluding the Prince of Wales, Dame Nellie Melba and the Wigram Allen. It came with the responsibility of maintainingBallets Russes de Monte Carlo.the family firm. After attending Sydney Grammar School, Arthur studied law at the University of Melbourne and wasArthur was also an astute property investor with canny admitted as a solicitor in 1886. timing and he frequently purchased land for subdivision. Among these purchases was Kirribilli House, originally Arthurs forte was his people skills. He brought work to thebuilt in 1854 by Adolphus Feez (uncle of Adolph Feez, one firm through his extensive social connections and affableof the founders of Feez Ruthning). Arthur purchased nature, leaving the complex legal work to Alfred Hemsley,the property, on the north side of Sydney Harbour, for Minton Taylor and Norman Cowper. Much of Arthurs10,000 in 1919. His intention to subdivide the land was work involved attending board meetings as a director ofmet with a public outcry, which prompted primeminister companies such as the Australian Gas Light Company,William Hughes to acquire Kirribilli House for the Australian JCWilliamson and Mt Kembla Collieries. His real love,Government. It has served as the Sydney residence of however, lay in the arts and he relished every opportunity Australias prime ministers ever since. to attend the theatre and the ballet. Another of Arthurs passions was technology. He bought An enthusiastic photographer, Arthurs photo albums the first electric pianolas in Sydney, the earliest versions (now held by the Mitchell Library in the State Library of Newof the dictaphone and an early, gas-operated Electrolux South Wales) provide an extraordinary insight into Sydneysrefrigerator, which was installed in the office kitchen. He society and culture between 1890 and 1934. Through hiswas best known, however, for owning one of the first electric photography and extensive diaries, Arthur documentedcars in Australia.Arthurs forte was his people skills. He brought work to the firm through his extensive social connections and affable natureHis real love, however, lay in the arts and he relished everyopportunity to attend the theatre and the ballet.69'