A. R. Bovell & Son

Statement of Significance

• The remaining building façade is associated with the Bovell family who were prominent business and community leaders in Busselton in the 20th century. • The site is associated with the development of Busselton in the 1920s when the region was developing with new settlers including the Soldier Settlement and Group Settlement schemes. • The shop front has value for the community as it has been a continual presence in the streetscape since the 1920s.

Physical Description

This single storey brick shop addresses the north west corner of Queen and Duchess Street. The main entrance presents on an angle to the corner and is a glass panel set into a timber frame that features a stepped detail and a fan light above. The entry door on Duchess Street features the same detail. The large shop front windows have divided panes above the main panel, below the main panel is a low masonry wall clad with painted square tiles that may be a remnant of the original finish. The steel framed awning is a later addtion

History

From the readily available information this shop premises was built in the early 1920s for Alexander Robert Bovell (1873-1951). Alexander Bovell and the Bovell family were influential in the development of Busselton in the 20th century, with many members of the family undertaking community service and working in the Shipping industry. Alexander Bovell was Mayor during World War I and for many years was a Justice of Peace. Alexander Bovell worked as a Shipping Agent, Land Agent and branched out into auctioneering. Items in the local press indicate the business operated from Queen Street in the 1920s. It was during this period that the Soldier Settlement and Group Settlement schemes were enacted. It is not known who designed or built the shop premises. The property remained in the hands of the Bovell family until the late 20th century and for many years the place was unoccupied. Aerial photographs indicate that the awning wrapping the two main elevations of the building was removed in 2012. In 2014, all of the building structure was removed apart from the facades facing the streets. A new structure was built inside the remaining walls. The doors have been retained and the window locations reflect the Inter War style but may be replacement inserts.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low/Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update