Commercial

Parent Place or Precinct

26003 Rokeby Road & Hay St Conservation Area

Statement of Significance

The place represents the historic development of Hay Street as a commercial street from the 1890s and early 1900s. It is a typical example of an early shop which contributes to the integrity of the commercial streetscape.

Physical Description

411 Hay Street is a single storey commercial building with restrained Inter-War Free Classical detailing to the parapet. It originally comprised two stores, but these have often been combined as single premises (and remain so in 2022).
The simple flat, capped parapet features a prominent central rectangular pediment with scroll shaped mouldings either side. Slender capped piers frame the ends.
What would have almost certainly been a traditional verandah has been replaced by a suspended boxed awning. The shopfronts have also been fully replaced since the mid-twentieth century.
Alterations to signage to the parapet have been poorly finished and detract from the appearance of the building.

History

The readily available evidence suggests that this building was constructed in c.1922. Over time, some of the occupants included:
411 Hay Street
 1923: A McCubbin, shoe manufacturer
 1925: Victoria Park Slipper Co. (occupying 411-413)
The Victoria Park Slipper Company was founded in 1923 and by May 1924 had moved its premises to 413 Hay Street. When the premises
were vacated by this firm in 1927 they were advertised first as a single factory and then as either a factory or separate shops:
FACTORY, jarrah floor, 30 x 60 ft., very light, modern windows, 411 and 413 Hay-st., Subiaco.
And
SHOPS or Factory, modern, 17 x 60 feet each, 411 and 413 Hay-st., Subiaco, £1,700, deposit £100, balance low, interest.
 1930: Listed as vacant in the Post Office Directory
 1935: Chris Doulis, motor and cycle agent and repairer
 1940: Mullins & Co, furniture manufacturers (occupying 411-413)
 1945: Mrs Elizabeth Chapman
 1949: Jane Maud Chapman, tailoress
 1954: Direct Furnishing Company (occupying 411-413)
 2012 & 2022: Devlin’s (occupying 411-413)
413 Hay Street
 1923: John Hones, ironmonger
 1925: Victoria Park Slipper Co. (occupying 411-413)
 1930 & 1935: Taylor, Lowry & Mullins, furniture manufacturers
By 1930, #413 had been occupied by Taylor, Lowry & Mullins, furniture manufacturers, which traded as Mullins & Co, furniture manufacturers from 1931. The nature of his operation was indicated by an industrial inquiry in 1932:
Charles Frederick Mullins stated that he was responsible for the rent of the premises, and provided the plant and material.
Mr. Carter called Leonard Brazil, an upholsterer, of fourteen years' experience, and a member of the United Furniture Trades Union, who said that he worked at C. Mullins's factory. When Mullins required an upholstery job done witness submitted to him a price for it plus rent and other overhead expenses. He was not under any control by Mullins, was able to start and finish when he liked, go where he liked, and accept work outside of Mullins's factory. Other men working there at joinery, cabinet making and machining were under the same conditions. Mullins provided the material for all jobs.
 1935: Mullins & Co, furniture manufacturers (occupying 413 only)
 1940: Mullins & Co, furniture manufacturers (occupying 411-413)
 1945 & 1949: Mullins & Co, furniture manufacturers (occupying 413 only)
 1954: Direct Furnishing Company (occupying 411-413)
 2012 & 2022: Devlin’s (occupying 411-413)

Integrity/Authenticity

The parapet has a medium-high level of authenticity.
The boxed awning and shopfront have a low level of authenticity.

Condition

The main facade appears to be generally in good condition commensurate with the age of the building (based on streetscape inspection only).

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.