Reid Library

Statement of Significance

As part of UWA, the place has historic significance representing development, settlement and the provision of higher education in the State.
It has social significance to the local and State-wide community, in particular the past and present students and staff.
The building won the Royal Institute of British Architects 1964 Bronze Medal.

Physical Description

Four storey Stripped Classical building, with use of symmetry, strongly repetitive columns and carefully considered proportions. From the Great Court it has an ordered, precise, static and monumental appearance, provided by the width of the gallery on the first floor giving depth to the elevation. The four sides form a pattern of structure, fascia and curtain wall with additional horizontal and vertical emphases provided by the solids and voids and light and shade. Internal alterations were carried out in 1986. For more detail see AHC documentation.

History

A government decision in favour of a university for Western Australia was made in 1901, however a shortage of funds prevented it being established until 1913. The University Endowment Bill in 1903 allowed for land to be set aside for the future. The first location was a temporary one in Irwin Street, Perth, in a weatherboard building. The first Chancellor was John Winthrop Hackett.
In 1921 Crawley was chosen as the permanent site for UWA. The Irwin Street building was relocated there in 1932.The foundation stone for the Hackett Memorial Buildings was laid in 1929. They form the focal point and symbolic landmark of UWA.
The Reid Library, named in honour of Sir Alexander Reid, eighth Chancellor of UWA, was built by Cameron Chisholm & Nicol Architects and won the Royal Institute of British Architects 1964 Bronze Medal. The first stage commenced in 1962 was to accommodate 800 readers and 240,000 books. The second stage in 1972 increased the capacity to 750,000 books.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.