Guildford Town Hall & Library

Statement of Significance

Guildford Town Hall and Library, incorporating the Guildford Town Hall, a brick, rendered brick and tile building constructed in 1937 in the Inter-War Art Deco style, and the Guildford Library (former Council Chambers) a brick, rendered brick and zincalume-roofed building built in 1900 and remodelled in 1937 to complement the Town Hall, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place contains particularly well resolved examples of civic buildings designed or remodelled in the Inter-War Art Deco style. The Guildford Town Hall is a fine example of a town hall designed in this style in the 1930s in Western Australia; The place is a significant example of the work of Eales, Cohen and Fitzhardinge Architects, and in particular of John Fitzhardinge who is credited with the Interwar design and redesign of the two buildings; The place is a visual landmark in its prominent location in the centre of the historic Town of Guildford; The place is representative of the development of local government in the City of Swan region and incorporates civic buildings which represent the growth of local government in the early and mid twentieth century in the State generally. The place forms an integral component of community life in the local government area; and, The car park has the potential through archaeological excavation to provide information on the former convict depot use of the site. The more recent southern end of the outbuilding, eastern entry and covered walkway to the Library, kitchen and other recent fittings to the Town Hall and electrical fittings to the Library are of little cultural heritage significance. The brick wall in the female toilets of the Town Hall and lobby inside the original northern entrance of the Library are intrusive. Plantings of little or no significance are noted in the Conservation Plan.

Physical Description

The first purpose built Town Hall in Guildford. The modern styled precinct dating from 1937, demonstrates the importance of the interwar period to the town. It is a fine example of an Art Deco styled civic building. The building is an essay in absolute symmetry. The building demonstrates a dominant verticality which in turn is balanced by horizontally. The prominent entry is defined by a raised portico with a curved parapet set on Tuscan Columns. The parapet bears the distinctive bold Art Deco lettering 'Guildford Town Hall'. The Chambers were constructed in 1900 and altered to match the town hall in about 1920.

History

The Guildford Council Chambers were reconstructed from a 1900s building. Parts of the wall and stable still stand. An air raid shelter was created by strengthening one room, during World War II. This area remains today and is currently used as the 'strong room'. It has a lowered cement ceiling, cement floor and double brick walls.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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