Convent of the Sacred Heart (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Nagle Centre (former Presentation Sisters' Sacred Heart Convent 1919) the Convent has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • the Convent has a close association with prominent ecclesiastical architect Monsignor John Hawes. The place is an excellent example of Hawes' architectural style and is one of Hawes' earliest works in Western Australia; • the Convent is highly valued as a significant tourist attraction associated with Hawes' life and the adjacent church, and it contributes to the Northampton community 's sense of place; • the Convent has a high social value to the Northampton community; • the Convent has a strong spiritual significance for the Catholic community in the town of Northampton and in the Mid-West; and, • the Convent is an unusual and sophisticated building of interesting design which is a landmark in Northampton . Aesthetic Value The Convent has a high degree of artistic and technical sophistication, both internally and externally, and exhibits a well resolved combination of architectural, symbolic and artistic motifs. Itis highly valued by the Northampton community. The Convent is an excellent early example of John Hawes' Western Australian work and his eclectic architectural style. The Convent has a landmark quality in Northampton due to its large size and prominent elevated location looking over Hampton Road. In association with the Presbytery (1914), the Church (1936), and the School (1964); the Convent forms a 'precinct' of Catholic buildings in Northam pton. Historic Value The Convent has a close association with the expansion of the activities of the Catholic Diocese of Geraldton in the early party of the twentieth century. The Convent has a close association with Monsignor John Hawes, both as architect and administrator of the construction. Hawes' life and works are prominent within the history of the Mid-West Region of Western Australia . Social Value The Convent is highly valued by the community of Northampton and surrounding districts as a place in which the highly regarded Presentation Sisters lived - and from which they provided an exceptionally valued education; and as an outstanding architectural design. The Convent has great potentia l as a tourist accommodation destination which recognises the work of the Presentation Sisters and continues its large contribution to the Northampton community 's sense of place. Rarity The Convent is a rare example of the combination of Hawes' eclectic design principles with ills very personal understanding of the spiritual motifs required in, and the specialised planning required for, a Convent building. Representativeness The design of the Convent is representative of Monsignor J.C. Hawes' distinctive style of design. The Convent has an important role as a representative piece of multi-unit domestic archltecture by Hawes. Condition The Convent is in sound condition. Work has been done to alleviate problems of masonry deterioration and roof sheeting failure. Maintenance has been undertaken on a reasonably regular basis, and with restoration/reconstruction works (on the external tirnberwork particularly) the place could be brought back to very good condition. Integrity The Convent has a high degree of integrity. Although the Convent can no longer be used for the original purpose for which it was designed with the departure of the Sisters, the use of the Convent for residential purposes and the furnishing and presentation of the rooms to be representative of the era in which the place was built is compatible with the original intention of the place as accommodation . Authenticity The Convent is intact, and retains a high degree of authenticity. The 1990 addition completed as the function room although not harmonious with the original design, are tolerable. The changes to the interior that have occurred demonstrate evolution of use. The cement rendering of the walls externally can be reversed. The authenticity of the place is only marginally diminished.

Physical Description

For a discussion of the physical evidence refer to John Taylor Architect: "The 'Nagle Centre' Conservation Plan"(prepared for The St. Mary's Parish Council, February 1997)

History

Assessment 1997 Construction 1919 Alterations/additions 1985, 1990 Architect/designer John Cyril Hawes

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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