International Trading Company Store (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The International Trading Co. Store (former) is of significance: • As one of the oldest buildings in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River that has had continuous commercial use. • For its association with the commercial and economic progress and development of Margaret River since the mid 1920s.

Physical Description

The original shop at the street frontage has a main gabled roof, with a separate (modern) bull-nosed roof to the verandah over the footpath. The walls are constructed of square edged weatherboards (with a plain oiled finish) and the northern (side) wall retains faint evidence of former painted signage, including the word “Teas’ and the letters “ACC” (possibly from the word Tobacco).The front façade has a central, splayed entrance with timber double doors (featuring early detailing including a letter slot), an early timber threshold and a tiled step. The large shopfront windows that flank the entrance are set in simple timber frames.The detailing of the original cottage at the rear is obscured by later additions and alterations, but retains a simple gabled roof and weatherboard walls with double hung windows.Between the shop and cottage there is a modern, flat roofed addition with a strip of high-level windows under a deep facia panel. This is a clearly modern, but complementary, addition that emphasises the distinction between old and new.

History

The International Trading Company Store was the third store to be established in the new town of Margaret River, after Peake’s Store and Lamb’s Store (1923). It was built in 1925, next to the old hall on Bussell Highway.Harold Selbourne was the first proprietor of the store, which sold groceries,hardware and tools. He was followed by Captain Currey and his two sons, Rob and John. In 1928/29 Ian and Malcolm Burns took over the International Trading Co. Store (and Currey’s house - Place # MR(T)-18 Tin House) after Currey went bankrupt. The next proprietor was William (Bill) Lucas who bought the shop and business in 1930, which was then run by his wife and two daughters. Bill Lucas left Margaret River in 1934 and George Fearn took the shop over as a drapery business, followed by Mr Moorhead, who extended the drapery to include exclusive ladies’ clothes.From about 1941 William Duggan ran an agency for Elder Smith from the building, which operated until Elders relocated to new premises in 1953.Mrs Mary Dunnett bought the building in 1953. The focus of the business then changed to become the ‘Floral tearooms’ run by Mrs Daisy Cullum who leased the shop from Dunnett. As well as running the tearooms, Cullum also sold plants and flowers. Dunnett’s son-in-law Frank Rose then transformed the building back into a store, this time selling furniture. At the rear of the shop was a hairdressing salon run by Mr Paige Guille. In 1974, after many years of lying vacant, Moondyne Art and Crafts set up shop. From the c1980s the place was operated as the Margaret River Art Gallery, which was originally run by a cooperative of 23 artists.In December 2002, Jah-Roc established a retail outlet and gallery in the International trading Co Store (fmr). In 2005 a major addition was made with the design and construction of a 200m2 contemporary space that connected the original store with the rear cottage. The rear cottage was renovated to become a manager’s quarters/gallery space. The additions made it possible to not only display furniture, but also art works by well-known West Australian artists.As at 2012, the building continues in commercial use as Jah Roc Art and Furniture Gallery.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: The original use has been maintained. Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident.

Condition

Good *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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