A Division “I Tier” Sign

Original painted location sign from A Division, HM Prison Pentridge, identifying I Tier (the first level within the division). The sign consists of a cream-painted rectangular board with black hand-painted lettering reading “I TIER”. A vertical “I” appears above the word “TIER”, reinforcing the level designation. The sign was secured using two screws, one on either side. The reverse retains a woven fabric backing with remnants of adhesive from its original construction or mounting.

Date of creation: Late 20th century (exact date unknown)

Place uf use: A Division, HM Prison Pentridge, Coburg, Victoria

Materials: Painted cement sheet, woven fabric backing, adhesive, metal fixings

Condition: Good. The sign displays expected wear from operational use, including minor paint loss, scuffing, adhesive residue, and age-related discolouration. Original mounting holes remain intact.

Historical Context

A Division was one of Pentridge Prison’s principal cell blocks. It was arranged into a number of tiers, with each tier referring to a separate floor or gallery of cells. This sign identified I Tier, enabling prison officers, staff and authorised visitors to navigate the building and locate prisoners housed on the first level.

Provenance

Recovered from A Division, HM Prison Pentridge, following the prison’s closure and redevelopment.