House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance: • As a good representative example of the many 4-5 room brick homes which were built in Subiaco during the early twentieth century to meet the needs and aspirations of middle-class residents such as public servants, senior office workers, small business owners, skilled tradesmen and single/widowed women of private means. • As a good representative example of the application of materials and detailing which were derived from the Federation Queen Anne style, but which were applied in a more restrained manner that suited the budgets and expectations of the middle classes in Subiaco during the early twentieth century. • For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact group of early twentieth century houses. • For its association with the rapid development of Subiaco in the early 20th century and the small scale development by local builders.

Physical Description

• Traditional asymmetric single storey house of Federation Queen Anne style. • Brick construction but original brick finish has been painted. • Roughcast render gable with timbered detailing. • Hipped roof with vented gablets and gable to the projecting wing. • Timber casement windows. • House is slightly obscured by brick wall.

History

Subiaco's population increased significantly in the 1890s due to an economic depression in the eastern states and the discovery of gold in Western Australia. In the late 1890s, property developers bought large landholdings for subdivision in the Perth metropolitan area. The subdivisions were generally simple grid pattern developments with small lots for occupancy by working families. Subiaco was a popular and logical location for development and the increase in population and demand for services led to the proclamation of Subiaco as a municipality in 1897. A subdivision plan for this portion of Francis Street was approved in 1891 but there appears to have been little development until the 1900s when Francis Street was rapidly developed over the next decade. From the readily available information this place was constructed in c1912. No details of the builder have been found in this research. The first occupants of this place was draper, Kenneth Fraser (c1881-1934) and his wife Alice Emily, nee Treleaven (c1878-1951). The couple had married in 1911 so it is presumed this house was their first home together. Fraser may have been the owner and instigator of the building. The Frasers relocated in 1933 and the place was occupied by retired tailor Asher Shulman (c1897-1956) and his wife Ellen Mary Lillian nee Kenna (c1877-1955). Members of the Shulman family lived at the house until the 1980s. A plan of the lot prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning sewerage and water supply services shows that the residence has had major additions to the rear, replacing a verandah and small structures across the full width of the back elevation. Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that it was originally clad with red corrugated iron. In the early 1980s, the roof cladding of the original house was replaced with corrugated metal sheeting to match a new addition built at that time. Further additions occurred in the early 1990s, and there have been minimal changes since that time. The extent and form of the original residence are still clearly evident.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be used as a private residence. Authenticity - Moderate - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact although the painted brickwork has reduced the authenticity.

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in fair to good condition.

Uses

Creation Date

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