Perth Court of Petty Sessions

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of the Federation Second Empire style of architecture and contributes to the wider environment of the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct which comprises excellent examples of structures from a diverse range of architectural styles. The place was one of the PWD’s finest creative achievements and is a demonstration of the broad and eclectic skills of Hillson Beasley. Together with the Art Gallery Administration Building (the former Police Barracks), Perth Court of Petty Sessions demonstrates an early use of Donnybrook Stone and has capacity to teach about aspects of the stone’s durability and repair. The place is an important element in the evolution of court building in Western Australia. More recently the place has become a component of a significant cultural institution which together with its fine architectural expression and longstanding prominence contribute to the community’s sense of place. The place is one of only two buildings designed in Western Australian in the Federation Second Empire style. The place is representative of the important public works projects undertaken in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s.

Physical Description

Perth Court of Petty Sessions is a classically planned, two storey, Donnybrook stone walled and tiled roof building designed in the Federation Second Empire style. The front façade of the building faces Beaufort Street. It consists of three protruding bays linked by recessed elements of the same height and style. The central bay has a clock built into the stone pediment. With the exception of the roof, which has seen the replacement of the slate with tiles and the removal of most decorative elements, the building and its details remains largely intact. Two enclosed links have been constructed to the rear and link to Main Gallery Building.

History

Perth Court of Petty Sessions was built as Police Courts in 1904-05 for Police, Local and Coroners’ Courts, with supporting accommodation on the ground floor, and office and administrative accommodation for the Commissioner of Police, his staff and records on the first floor. The need for such a building and the means to build it arose from the Gold Boom, and the population growth and wealth it generated. The Police Courts building was designed by Hillson Beasley, who completed a prodigious number of building designs in Western Australia in his time as assistant and later chief architect at the Public Works Department. The building performed its intended function until 1951 and the court functions progressively took over the whole of the building. Wealth generated through the mineral boom in the 1970’s provided the impetus for planning of a new art gallery which would include Perth Court of Petty Sessions. The Police Courts remained in use until 1982 and then became available to the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Conservation and adaptation work was carried out in stages and completed in 1995.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. High level of authenticity (external). Moderate-low level of authenticity (internal).

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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