House

Parent Place or Precinct

25394 Union and Redfern Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

For information on the significance of the Union and Redfern Heritage Area refer to the Local Planning Policy for the Heritage Area.

Physical Description

4 Union Street appears to have been designed as a suburban example of the Federation Queen Anne style, but numerous alterations have obscured the overall effect. Major alterations include:
• Late-twentieth century second storey additions, which have had a major impact on the roofline, with prominent gable dormers now facing west and north.
• The enclosure of part of the front verandah (possibly in the mid-twentieth century).
This created an additional (or enlarged) room on the northern side of the projecting front wing, with face-brick walls (now painted) and a front window that is partially concealed under a curved canvas awning.
Key traditional elements include:
• Asymmetrical plan, articulated by a projecting wing on the southern side of the main façade.
This features a flying gable that extends over a shallow rectangular window bay. The face of the gable end is finished with textured render and set with an ‘arcaded’ pattern of timber battens.
Immediately above the window bay the detail of the projection is accentuated by a curved rendered eaves panel, with deep battened eaves on either side.
• Tuck-pointed brickwork to the projecting wing (now painted), with a rendered string course at window head height.
• Wide window opening to the projecting bay, with a flat head and plain raked sill.
The current window has a wide, fixed central panel, with narrow casements on either side, all set with a geometric pattern of clear, textured and shaped glass. The style of the leadlight glazing suggests that this element was redesigned in the inter-war years.
• Return, bullnose verandah.
This extends across the full with of the façade and then returns partway along the southern side of the house, to abut a projecting rear wing.
Like many other houses of this type, the main entry was located towards the rear of the side verandah, facing the side boundary – separating the original verandah into two areas, one for access and the other, overlooking the front garden, for recreation.
Note: The deep porch on the northern half of the main façade is now enclosed.
The house is set back approx. 5.5m from the front boundary, which is defined by a low masonry wall with masonry piers and timber picket infill panels.

History

Perth Suburban Lot 255 was purchased by the Intercolonial Investment Land and Building Company Ltd of Sydney in August 1890. Two years later it was transferred to James Chesters of 155 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, estate agent. By 1894 Chesters had subdivided this land as Deposited Plan 899, with 42 lots laid out around Queen Street (soon renamed Union Street).
James Chesters sold part Lot 36 and Lot 37 to John Hendy in September 1912 (probably the John Hendy, carpenter, who was living in Subiaco at that time). J. Hendy advertised numerous houses for sale in Subiaco and other nearby localities in the period 1913 to 1930 and it therefore seems likely that he constructed 4 Union Street as one of his early speculative developments.
The Subiaco Rates Books indicate that the place was acquired and occupied by a teacher, Francis Longford Huddart Sherlock, at that time. Francis lived here with his wife, Cecilia (who he had married in 1911) until he was appointed headmaster at Bunbury High School in c.1923.
The next occupants were William and Caroline Wilson (who had previously lived at 161 Hamersley street). By 1931 the Wilsons were sharing the house with their daughter Joyce, son-in-law, Clarence Rodriguez and grand-daughter, Judith. In late 1939/early 1940 the house was advertised for sale as part of William’s estate:
COMMODIOUS BRICK RESIDENCE, No. 4 UNION-ST. SUBIACO (near Hamersley-road). ….. agents have been instructed BY THE PERPETUAL. EXECUTORS TRUSTEES AND AGENCY COMPANY (W.A.). LIMITED. as Executor of the Will of the late William Marmaduke Wilson to SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION as above:-
Land: Portion Perth Sub. Lot 255 Part of each lots 36 and 37, Plan 889, total frontage 66.6 links, depth 200.3 links.
Improvements: Desirable brick residence, verandahs front and side, entrance hall, three rooms, large lounge room, vestibule, kitchen, well-appointed bathroom, back verandah, washhouse, c. and t's. sewered. e.l. and gas, detached tool shed, and storeroom. Grounds laid out in lawns and gardens. Excellently situated close Subiaco Municipal Gardens, transport and local shopping and civic centre.
However, it appears to have been either withdrawn from sale or purchased by a family member, as it continued to be occupied by members of the Wilson/ Rodriguez family for at least another decade.
Historical aerial photographs show that major second storey additions were undertaken in the late twentieth century.

Integrity/Authenticity

Note: Alterations to the roofline, partial enclosure of the front verandah, alterations to the front windows in the mid-twentieth century and the painting of the main façade have had a major impact on the authenticity and traditional character of the place.

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in a good condition.

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.