W S Spencer & Sons (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Bon Marche, a two storey rendered brick commercial building, has cultural heritage significance because: the place was built for Spencer and Sons, general merchants and importers, drapers and grocers, who served the people of Bunbury for many years. It was later a Bon Marche franchise, which was operated by the Craddock family for many years; it is a good example of the Inter War Art Deco style of architecture; the place addresses a significant corner in the town centre, has strong landmark qualities and contributes to the streetscape;

Physical Description

Bon Marche is a two storey commercial building originally built in the 1890s and redesigned in the Inter War Art Deco style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry and the roof is hidden behind a rendered parapet wall. The ground floor has large glazed shop fronts with a cantilevered awning above. The upper level has smaller windows. The distinctive letter style utilised for the building's name is of the art deco style.

History

Bon Marche was built as W S Spencer & Sons Store in 1891 for William Spencer. William Spencer had arrived in Western Australia on the ‘Trusty’ in 1841 and he established the Wellington Hotel in Bunbury with a Mr Ashford in 1864. Spencer was a dedicated businessman and soon owned several properties in Bunbury. He was also active in local politics, holding the office of mayor of Bunbury and was a member of the Legislative Council for the South West until his death in 1901. William Spencer established the firm W S Spencer in the early 1870s. It is not know where the firm first operated from, but in 1891 plans were prepared for a new building for W Spencer & Sons on the corner of Victoria Street and Stephen Street. Additions to designed by architect T B Jackson were completed c 1897. By 1899, Spencer and Sons was operating as general merchants and importers, drapers and grocers. They also sold clothes. In 1901, Augustus and Charles Spencer were operating the business. Augustus followed his father’s interest in community affairs. He was a member of the Town Council (since 1899), and was active in sports and amusements, including holding various memberships and positions in the racing, football, cricket and rowing clubs. He had also been associated with the local Mounted Infantry brigade since its inception. From 1905 to 1914, C Clarke operated a soft furnishings, manchester and clothing store in the building. Circa 1914, Harry Trenoweth purchased the property and opened a Bon Marche franchise. Louis J Craddock bought the Bon Marche store in 1925 and his family still operated it in 2001. L J Craddock was also very active in community affairs, being chair of the South West Printing and Publishers Co, a foundation member of the Bunbury Rotary Club, and a member of the Bunbury Retail Traders’ Association, Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Bunbury Race Club. A new shop front was installed in 1929 and additions completed in 1932. In 1936/37 builders Hough and Son completed renovations in the Art Deco style (cubist design with cantilevered verandahs). The roof was concealed behind streamlined parapets and the store name was displayed in decorative lettering (Gill Sans style). The building was one of the first in Bunbury to use plate glass windows to showcase goods to passing pedestrians. During World War II, many of the windows were bricked up or covered as part of the blackout procedures. During the 1950, many small operations such as a milliner, tailor and seamstress operated from rooms on the upper floor. Major redevelopments and expansion took place in the 1970s, involving the relocation of a grand staircase from the centre of the room. The Bon Marche menswear department (later Mensland – across the road) was purchased by Len and Keith Craddock in 1967. Stephen Craddock took over the business in 1988 and further renovations were carried out in 1994.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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