Phineas Seeligson's (fmr), Perth

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of Federation Romanesque architecture and has a high degree of aesthetic value with its ornamental façade and high pitched gable making a distinctive and striking addition to the eclectic northern end of the Barrack Street streetscape. The place is the only purpose-built pawnbroker building known to exist in Western Australia. The place was designed by Henry (Harry) Stirling Trigg, the first architect born and trained in Western Australia. The place was constructed for pawnbroker Phineas Seeligson, a philanthropist and prominent leader in the Jewish community.

Physical Description

Narrow three-storied building with parapet gable (which features a pair of double hung sash windows set under moulded arches), balconies and decorative embellishment to entablature. The first floor features a pair of glazed panel doors with fanlights above which originally opened out onto the balcony of a verandah which has been dismantled (remnants of the verandah's original cast iron decoration guard the doors). The original shop front to the ground floor has been modernised over the years.

History

The building is of architectural interest in terms of its approach to achieving a functional design on a very narrow site. It is illustrative of how the business classes worked and lived in late nineteenth century Perth. Previously known as Seeligson's building and at one time, a pawn shop. COP Heritage Places File 1.34/143. Barrack Street was so named because it is located adjacent to the parade ground and barracks set aside in the original planning of Perth for officers and soldiers. This area extended from S. George's Terrace to Hay S. and from Barrack St to Pier St. The barrack ground formed the buffer in the original plan for Perth between the western commercial area and the eastern administrative part of town. The area later became the site for various government buildings including the Town Hall in 1867. Barrack St was subdivided in the 1890's. A number of lots with narrow frontages were created but a number of investors bought adjacent lots in order to develop larger buildings. (Extracted from G. Seddon & D. Ravine; A City and Its Setting; Fremantle 1986) Until the 1880's, the town centre was characterised by the establishment of small cottages, shops and small businesses and was rural in character. The expansion of commerce following the discovery of gold in the 1890's put pressure on land in the centre of Perth with the result that most residential uses were displaced in favour of commercial development. During the 1890's and early 19900's the centre of Perth was substantially rebuilt. The period of expansion in Perth coincided with a period of economic depression in the eastern states, in particular Victoria. As a result, there was substantial migration from Victoria to W.A. This migration included businessmen, architects and builders, all of whom had a considerable influence on the development of the city. Phineas Seeligson became a pawnbroker in 1887 and had a business on Murray Street. Pawnbrokers were used frequently by working families to meet their living needs which weren’t covered by wages. This building was the second branch of his business and was opened on c1894 and was purpose built for Seeligson. It was designed by architect Henry (Harry Stirling Trigg who was the first architect born and trained in WA. The business was sold to Albert T Jones in 1898 who operated it from the building until 1930. The building contained living accommodation upstairs. Phineas Seeligson owned the building during this time and trustees owned it 30 years after his death as stipulated in his will. Seeligson was part of the Jewish community and made many bequeaths to community groups in his will. After Jones moved his business to Beaufort Street the building was used as a Chinese restaurant in 1930, then a smallgoods shop which opened in 1931. From then it has had many different uses including retail shops, pawnbroker, ANZ bank and barber shop.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Moderate authenticity as it is substantially intact above but the ground floor level has been altered.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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