Smallman Furniture Manufacture

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a substantially intact timber residence and workplace from the early 20th century.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of the area in the inter war period.
• The place has social value as a rare demonstration of a family business and family home within a residential area.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed, weatherboard clad dwelling with a CGI clad hipped roof.
At the east corner of the south elevation is a gabled projecting section which has timber detailing across the apex of the gable and contains two centrally located timber framed 1-over-1 sash windows. The front entrance is located within the recessed section of the south elevation, abutting the projecting section. The front entrance consists of a front door with sidelights and panels to the west of front door and a glazed fan light. No detail of front door is visible through the metal security door. To the west of the front entrance is a group of two timber framed 1-over-1 sash windows with a timber window sill. Without breaking pitch the roof line extends over the majority of the recessed section and the projecting section of the south elevation to form the verandah which is supported by rectangular timber posts. The
west corner of the south elevation is the only part of the elevation not covered by the verandah. At the west corner of south elevation is a section of elevation not covered by the verandah; this section contains a two-section timber framed casement window. Extending over the window is a CGI clad skillion awning with timber supports.

History

This parcel of land was purchased by cabinetmaker John William Henry Flavel Smallman (c1899-1994) as a vacant block in the 1920's and he built the weatherboard residence shortly afterwards which he and his wife, Violet, nee Hyatt lived in until the 1970s. A detached factory at the rear of the block, the "Smallman Furniture Manufacturer" building was constructed in stages over the next 20 years. The firm manufactured domestic and church furniture until the 1970's. John Smallman served on the Bassendean Roads Board from 1940 to 1953 and was chairman between 1947 and 1952. The house underwent alterations and additions in 1941 and since then the building has been extensively
repaired and restored. Works included the replacement and insulating of the roof, repair/replacement of interior wall and ceiling fabric, rewiring of electrics, replacement of stumps and renovation of the kitchen and bathroom.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/moderate
High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.