Hackett Hall

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of the Federation Free style and is an integral component of the wider Perth Cultural Centre precinct which comprises excellent examples of structures from a diverse range of architectural styles. The place is associated with the expansion of the state under the influences of the Gold Boom and the government’s commitment to providing public cultural institutions. The place is strongly associated with government architect, Hillson Beasley. The longstanding contribution of Hackett Hall as a significant cultural institution and fine architectural expression, contributes to the community’s sense of place. The place together with the other elements of the Western Australian Museum complex is rare in Australia for displaying a non-traditional free style of architecture in a time period when classical themes were typically chosen to symbolise the cultural values of civic and cultural institutions. The roof lanterns at Hackett Hall (and the Art Gallery) may be the only surviving lanterns of this size in Western Australia. The place is a representative example of the important public works projects undertaken in the Federation period.

Physical Description

Hackett Hall is part of complex of Western Australian Museum buildings located at the northeast quadrant of the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct site and is located to the west of the earlier Jubilee Building (1896-97) which addresses the corner of Beaufort Street and the James Street pedestrian walkway. Hackett Hall is a two-storey, red face brick building designed in the Federation Romanesque style. Originally intended to be an integral part of the master plan for the site, Hackett Hall deviates significantly from the original scheme for the complex. This was to have been a central building linking Hackett Hall to the Jubilee building. It was not until 1999 that the link building was constructed. The new entrance between the Jubilee building and Hackett Hall achieves the resolution of an historic problem created by the differing design philosophies. Hackett Hall is 10 metres out of alignment with the Jubilee Building. Only the 1910, Hillson Beasley designed south wing of Hackett Hall remains. This building uses similar materials and design style to blend with the Eastern Wing building. The external materials include red face brick walls with Donnybrook stone decorative elements. There is a plinth of rusticated granite.

History

The foundation stone for the Victoria Public Library, established to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign, was laid in St George’s Terrace in 1887. After being housed in temporary accommodation, the library moved to the Jubilee Building on the corner of Beaufort and James streets in 1897 which then housed the Library, Museum and Art Gallery. Additional library accommodation was constructed in 1903 and a further wing, Hackett Hall was added to the State Library in 1913. Designed by Government Architect, Hillson Beasley, Hackett Hall adopted a similar style and construction materials to the earlier Jubilee Building, but demonstrated a different alignment and was left unfinished at the eastern end. The first chief librarian, Dr James Sykes Battye was granted administrative control of the library, museum and art gallery. This system continued until 1955, a year after his death, when the library administration was separated from the museum and art gallery. In 1977 planning began to bring the Library Boards branches and collections which were then scattered over three main buildings and three annexes into a single building. The new Alexander Library Building opened in 1985 and Hackett Hall became part of the Museum Complex. The 1903 library wing north of Hackett Hall had been demolished in 1984. In 1999 completion of a new entrance building linked Hackett Hall with the Western Australian Museum - Eastern Wing, resolving the issue of the different alignments.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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