Nelson's Pharmacy

Statement of Significance

Nelson’s Pharmacy is of local significance, both for its former value to the community as a pharmacy and now as a good example of a typical early nineteenth century shop with many original features. It forms an important part of a significant streetscape which contains many fine late nineteenth century and early twentieth century buildings and retains much of the ambience of a pre- World War One rural town centre. Aesthetic Value Nelson’s Pharmacy is a landmark of Hampton Street for its typical early nineteenth century commercial character. Historic Value Nelson’s Pharmacy is of historic value for its role in assisting with the health and therefore day to day liveability of Bridgetown and surrounds from the early 1900's. Research Value NA Social Value As a point of interaction between townsfolk and between workers and clientele, Nelson’s Pharmacy would have had moderate social value. As a point of sale and consult for medicinal remedies for ailments, it had a high social value. It continues to be of social and demographic value as a Real Estate Office, as it is often a first point of contact for people looking to move to the area.

Physical Description

Based on the roof form (and the 1911 tender notice) this single storey building appears to have been constructed as a shop with an attached residence. It features a rendered retail façade with a triangular pediment and raised nameplate featuring the words “The Blackwood Pharmacy” and “1908” respectively. The detailing to the quoins features alternating brick and rendered sections, but the whole has now been painted in a uniform colour. The side walls are still face brick. The shopfront features an asymmetrically located side re-entrant door and framed display windows, protected by a bull-nosed verandah over the footpath. An unsympathetic extension to the side (occupying what appears to have originally been a small garden setback to the original section of the attached residence) is painted brick with a flat parapet, single door and a small high level window.

History

The first reference identified for the “Blackwood Pharmacy” was an advertisement dated September 1908, which advised that “Francis H Ick, M.P.S, Pharmaceutical CHEMIST, has commenced business in temporary premises opposite the Court House, Bridgetown”. It was the date of the establishment of this business that was subsequently displayed on the parapet of his 1911 shop. In January 1909, Ick advised that he was operating from new premises in Hampton Street, next to the Freemasons Hotel, and by 1911 he was well enough established to erect his own purpose built shop. “TENDERS are invited up to WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1st, 1911, for the ERECTION of a BRICK SHOP and DWELLING in Hampton Street, Bridgetown, for the undersigned. Plans and Specifications may be seen at the Blackwood Pharmacy, Bridgetown. No tender necessarily, accepted. FRANCIS H. ICK, Chemist, Bridgetown.” Mr WL Nelson settled in Bridgetown in 1924 as a pharmaceutical chemist and later took over the Blackwood Pharmacy on Hampton Street, which he ran for many years. He was a respected member of the community who contributed to such organisations as the Bridgetown River Improvement League. The building became Capricorn Tearooms in the 1980’s with the brick addition to the southern side being used as part of the residence occupied by the Tea Room owners. The building has since been adapted as a real estate office.

Integrity/Authenticity

High The place continues to be used for commercial purposes. Medium There was a later addition (of no heritage value) added to the southern side of the main facade around the 1970's to 1980's. There also appear to have been some structural changes to the interior.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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