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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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Borsari's corner, at the intersection of Lygon and Grattan streets, is a Carlton landmark. The name derives from Italian cyclist Nino Borsari, gold medallist at the 1932 Olympic Games. Borsari was competing in Australia when he was stranded by World War II. He established a cycle repair and second-hand shop at the corner in 1941. Its neon sign of the Olympic cyclist, erected in the late 1940s, is one of the oldest in Australia. Borsari actively fostered cultural and welfare activities for Italian immigrants. President Giuseppe Saragat gave an important speech from Borsari's corner, televised in Italy, during his state visit in 1967.