Mechanics' Institute, Guildford

Author

City of Swan

Place Number

02474

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Location

Meadow St Guildford

Location Details

MI States: 2 New Bond St BDD 16-1-13

Other Name(s)

Swan Mechanics' Institute

Local Government

Swan

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1865 to 1880

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type	Status	Date	Documents	More information
Heritage List	Adopted	30 Aug 2017
Heritage List	YES	15 Dec 2010
State Register	Registered	29 Sep 1998	Register Entry Assessment Documentation	Heritage Council

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type	Status	Date	Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type	Status	Date	Grading/Management		More information
Type	Status	Date	Category	Description	More information
Municipal Inventory	Adopted	10 Jul 1996	Exceptional Significance	Exceptional Significance The place should be retained and conserved unless there is no other feasible or prudent alternative to doing otherwise. Any alterations or extensions should be sympathetic to the heritage values of the place and in accordance with Conservation Plan (if one exists for the place).
Register of the National Estate	Permanent	21 Mar 1978			Heritage Council
Classified by the National Trust	Classified	11 Jun 1973			Heritage Council

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of Richard Roach Jewell's vernacular Free Gothic architectural style, and exhibits his distinctive polychrome brickwork. The place is a significant element in the Meadow Street streetscape and contributes to the character of Guildford;

The place was the first public hall built in Guildford and is valued for its various roles as meeting place, public library and museum and for its continuing social associations as a venue for community based activities;

The place is a physical reminder of the Mechanics' Institute ethos, which was to promote the educational and cultural development of communities throughout Western Australia and elsewhere. Once prolific, the majority of Mechanics' Institutes have been replaced by the public library and adult education systems and their social function has all but disappeared; and

The place is associated with persons prominent in the historical development of the Guildford district and the State, such as Governor Hampton, W. L. Brockman, and Doctors Waylen and Viveash.

Physical Description

Mechanics' Institute, Guildford, is a Free Gothic brick building with a high pitched corrugated iron gable roof, a single-storey gable frontage and a two- storey section behind the hall constructed from local clay bricks of two and one tone Flemish bond. Roof is iron, windows tall and arched with fan light at top of each window. Building consists of small hall and stage. Two storey section and small residence at rear. Front porch forms entry. Original floor, windows, doors and fireplace remain.

History

Mechanics Institute founded by W. Brockman and gentry of the Swan District for the moral and intellectual betterment of local tradesmen. When hall was completed for the Institute in 1865, building became venue for public concerts, meetings/lectures and housed a public library.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id	Title	Medium	Year Of Publication
9625	Mechanics' Institute, Guildford: report on condition of building fabric and public use issues.	Report	2010
12105	Conservation of The Mechanics' Institute, Guildford - Final	Conservation works report	1989
9626	Mechanics' Institute, Guildford: structural report.	Report	2010
1990	Bassendean and Guildford sketchbook.	Book	1976
2926	Historic Buildings Meadow Street Guildford - Courthouse; Gaol; Mechanics Institute; Commissariat Store and Quarters - Conservation Plan	Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan}	1997

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch	General	Specific
Original Use	SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL	Mechanics Institute
Present Use	EDUCATIONAL	Museum

Construction Materials

Type	General	Specific
Roof	METAL	Corrugated Iron
Wall	BRICK	Common Brick

Historic Themes

General	Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES	Community services & utilities

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

30 Oct 2017

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.