Brisbane & Wunderlich Park Buildings

Statement of Significance

The land for this park was acquired in 1937 by H.L. Brisbane & Co Ltd and developed into a display park for their products. This small space of land located on what is known as Devil’s Elbow in Great Eastern Highway became a park in 1936. (Minutes of BPRB 17 February 1936). The Brisbane Company wrote to the Board proposing that some land be put aside for ornamental and display purposes, as had been undertaken by various companies in the Victoria Park locality. Apparently, the Road Board granted the Company a lease for this small strip of land lasting six months. By the end of this period the Brisbane Company applied to continue the lease stressing their enthusiasm for developing several display items. As a result the lease was extended for a further three years. Brisbane managed to continue the park and when the Company changed to become Brisbane & Wunderlich Ltd. the park’s promotional displays also changed accordingly. Bristile's still lease the area, even though it has been gazetted as a Crown Reserve by Department of Lands and Surveys. (Gazetted on 14 November 1930) The land on which the buildings / display products are situated is required for road widening purposes. It is recommended that the owner be encouraged to relocate the buildings / display products to an alternative location. A ‘Dolls House’ was relocated to Lot 14314 (130) Great Eastern Highway which forms part of Hardey Park.

Physical Description

This small ornamental display building in brick and tile features details and design features common in the Inter War period. It has a variety of brick types and details that demonstrated the capabilities of the products of the manufacturers, Brisbane and Wunderlich. The structure is located within a paved fenced area that is accessible to the public. The structure is located adjacent to a playground within a well maintained landscaped public park.

History

This structure was built in 1937 by local manufacturers Brisbane and Wunderlich to demonstrate the range and quality of their products, notably bricks and tiles. It was an advertising strategy the company used in other locations in metropolitan Perth in this period. It has not been established who designed the building but it is noted that prominent local architect Marshall Clifton designed a similar display in Victoria Park in this period so may have been responsible for this design. In 1937, Brisbane and Wunderlich leased a small parcel of land alongside Great Eastern Highway, known locally as the Devil's Elbow. Within this park was this small structure which became known as the 'Doll's House' and several displays of tiles and bricks. It was popular as a playground for many decades. In 2003, the structure was dismantled and rebuilt by All Brick Restorations, on its current location and the park around it named Bristile Park in recognition of the former display. The relocation was a result of works to widen of Great Eastern Highway.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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