As a thriving prosperous middle-class suburb, Blackheath developed and generated sophisticated educational and cultural facilities. The Literary Institute of 1845 predated its municipal and fine arts counterparts by 50 years.

The Blackheath Concert hall and the Art School respectively date from 1895 to1896. and both were designed by Edemson and Gabriel. Along with other conservatoires of music, all were the efforts of William Webster. The concert hall sat over 1200 people. It has been the venue for recitals and recordings by many international artists.