Rosie O'Grady's

Statement of Significance

The place makes a significant contribution to the streetscape, standing on a prominent corner addressing the open space of Russell Square and forming the entry to the built-up part of James Street. The aesthetic qualities of its building fabric have associations with both late nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture. The place is an example of a commercial building constructed during the period of economic affluence and increased development that followed the gold boom. The place represents the development of the City of Perth in the period before the gold rush of the 1890s. The place reflects the new design of two-storey hotels, many of which were situated on a street corner, with public rooms on the ground floor and accommodation on the first floor. The erection of purpose-built hotels was popular during the gold rush period and was further consolidated by the Liquor Licensing Amendment Act of 1922. The place is closely associated with the prominent and long-standing Perth construction company of A.T. Brine and Sons, who conducted the major renovations and additions in 1927-1928. The place has a long close association with the Swan Brewery Company, which owned the place from the time that its managing director, John Ferguson and William Mumme, purchased it in 1887 until it was sold by the Company to private investors in 1982. The place represents a special place for members of the community associated with the development of that area. The place has been a popular place of leisure and entertainment since c.1885. The place is representative of nineteenth century hotels which have been significantly altered in the Inter-War years and later, and which have recently been restored to simulate their original period. The Federal Hotel and the Orient Hotel in Fremantle are other examples.

Physical Description

Two-storey, roughcast rendered brick hotel building with truncated brick, steeply pitched hipped corrugated iron roof and tall chimneys. Original U-shaped plan remains with truncated entry. Original face-brick has been obscured with render and the original and early verandah and balcony has been removed and replaced with a modern verandah, and a modern cantilevered awning has been introduced to the eastern end of the north elevation on James Street. Original ground floor windows and side entries have been enlarged and replaced with bay windows and French doors, and original entry door also replaced. Existing first floor openings to the Streets reflect the original opening pattern however doors to the balcony have been replaced with double hung windows. Opening to the hollow of the U plan reflect the original. Refer to State Heritage Office and National Trust Assessments for detailed external description of the place at 1999.Note that all fabric associated with changes undertaken in the late Twentieth Century and early Twenty-first Century is considered intrusive. The interior is largely modified at ground floor with remnants of original room layout (such as wall nibs). Timber staircase original but has been relocated. Modified floor space at first floor with evidence of former room layout evidence through fire places and wall nibs. Some original detail remains including lathe and plaster ceiling molded dado wall panels (anaglypta wall covering) with timber bead, timber floor, skirting, doors and architraves. Early and original accommodation wings at first floor largely reflect the original layout. Refer to State Heritage Office and National Trust Assessments for detailed internal description of the place at 1999.Note that all fabric associated with changes undertaken in the late Twentieth Century and early Twenty-first Century is considered intrusive. MHI 2001 details - 2 storey painted, rendered brick hotel building with truncated brick hipped roof and tall chimneys. Loss of some original detail to ground floor. Double hung windows to first floor. Loss of original verandah. Additions to James Street elevations.

History

The place has a long association with the Swan Brewery Company from when it was purchased by the managing directors in 1887 until sold in 1982. Little is known of the early history of the Hotel except that it was most likely a two-storey structure and was built for a business called Smith and Company. The first mention of the Victoria Hotel in the government Gazette licensing notices was in March 1885. In 1887 the Hotel was purchased by the partnership of John Ferguson and William Mumme, who were at the time managing directors of the successful Swan Brewery. The place reflects the new design of two-storey hotels, many of which were situated on a street corner, with public rooms on the ground floor and accommodation on the first floor. Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity as it has lost some original detail at ground floor level.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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