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Coordinates: 31°57′15″S 115°51′16″E / 31.954304°S 115.854574°E / -31.954304; 115.854574 (Old Perth Boys School)
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{{Short description|Heritage listed building in Perth, Western Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2014}}
{{Infobox building
[[File:Old Perth boys school gnangarra-11.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Old Perth Boys School, St Georges Terrace, Perth]]
| name = Old Perth Boys School
The '''Old Perth Boys School''', located at 139 [[St Georges Terrace]], [[Perth, Western Australia]], is the earliest government school building in Western Australia.<ref>Information on display in the Old Perth Boys School building, 2016-11-13</ref> The single-storey limestone building was designed by [[William Ayshford Sanford]] in 1852 and is a significant example of a colonial building constructed in Perth from the mid-nineteenth century.
| image = File:Old Perth boys school gnangarra-11.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Old Perth Boys School
| map_type =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_size =
| map_dot_label = Old Perth Boys School
| map_dot_mark =
| relief =
| former_names =
| alternate_names =
| start_date = February 1853
| completion_date = {{start date and age|1854|09|27|df=y}}
| building_type = Government school
| location = [[Perth]], Western Australia
| coordinates = {{coord |region:AU-WA_type:landmark_dim:100 |name={{wikidata |property |P1448 }} |display=inline,title |format=dms}}
| embedded =
{{Infobox designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = State Register of Heritage Places
| designation1_offname =
| designation1_type = State Registered Place
| designation1_criteria =
| designation1_date = 25 June 1993
| delisted1_date =
| designation1_partof =
| designation1_number = {{SRHP|2117}}
}}
}}

The '''Old Perth Boys School''', located at 139 [[St Georges Terrace]], [[Perth]], Western Australia, is the earliest government school building in Western Australia.<ref>Information on display in the Old Perth Boys School building, 2016-11-13</ref> The single-storey limestone building was designed by [[William Ayshford Sanford]] in 1852 and is a significant example of a colonial building constructed in Perth from the mid-nineteenth century.


==Built form==
==Built form==
Line 10: Line 43:
The Perth Boys School was established in 1847, despite not having a permanent school building. The school occupied an assortment of vacant places, including the [[Old Court House, Perth|Old Court House]].
The Perth Boys School was established in 1847, despite not having a permanent school building. The school occupied an assortment of vacant places, including the [[Old Court House, Perth|Old Court House]].


The location selected for the permanent school building was originally the site of a water-powered flour mill on the site,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/wa/Perth/ReveleysMillSite/21390|title=Reveleys Mill Site |publisher=Aussie Heritage.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> operated by [[Henry Reveley|Henry Willey Reveley]], the civil engineer for the [[Swan River Colony]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lifeonperth.com/oldboysschool.htm |title=The Old Perth Boys School |publisher=Life on Perth.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daao.org.au/main/read/5327|title=Henry Willey Reveley |publisher=Dictionary of Australian Artists |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>[[File:Perth Boys School, 1861.jpg|thumb|right|Perth Boys School, 1861.]]
The location selected for the permanent school building was originally the site of a water-powered flour mill<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/wa/Perth/ReveleysMillSite/21390|title=Reveleys Mill Site |publisher=Aussie Heritage.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> operated by [[Henry Reveley|Henry Willey Reveley]], the civil engineer for the [[Swan River Colony]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lifeonperth.com/oldboysschool.htm |title=The Old Perth Boys School |publisher=Life on Perth.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daao.org.au/main/read/5327|title=Henry Willey Reveley |publisher=Dictionary of Australian Artists |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>[[File:Perth Boys School, 1861.jpg|thumb|right|Perth Boys School, 1861.]]


Construction of the school began in February 1853 and was completed in 1854. The school was designed by William Ayshford Sanford, Colonial Secretary from 1852 -1855,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daao.org.au/main/read/5573 |title=William Ayshford Sanford |publisher=Dictionary of Australian Artists |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> during which period he was also chairman of the board of education with an interest in schools. Sanford designed both the Perth Boys and Fremantle Boys schools. Sanford was a member of the [[Cambridge Camden Society]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paulrich.net/publications/edu_research_1.html|title=Perth's 'The Cloisters' as an icon of Educational Elitism : Romancing the Stone |publisher=[[University of Western Australia]] |last=Rich |first=Paul |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> and was an amateur architect, with a passion for ecclesiastical architecture and, as a result, the school resembles a gothic-revival-style church. The cost of constructing the building proved greater than expected. The additional expense was attributed to the boggy ground and the need for extra foundations. The building was a long, narrow structure with an east-west axis. It proved to be too small, the small windows made the interior too dark and it reportedly lacked ventilation. A gallery (which is no longer extant) was then constructed at the western end.
Construction of the school began in February 1853 and was completed 27 September 1854. The school was designed by William Ayshford Sanford, Colonial Secretary from 1852 to 1855,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daao.org.au/main/read/5573 |title=William Ayshford Sanford |publisher=Dictionary of Australian Artists |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> during which period he was also chairman of the board of education with an interest in schools. Sanford designed both the Perth Boys and [[Fremantle School building|Fremantle]] Boys schools. Sanford was a member of the [[Cambridge Camden Society]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paulrich.net/publications/edu_research_1.html|title=Perth's 'The Cloisters' as an icon of Educational Elitism : Romancing the Stone |publisher=[[University of Western Australia]] |last=Rich |first=Paul |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> and was an amateur architect with a passion for ecclesiastical architecture and, as a result, the school resembles a gothic-revival-style church. The cost of constructing the building proved greater than expected. The additional expense was attributed to the boggy ground and the need for extra foundations. The building was a long, narrow structure with an east-west axis. It proved to be too small; the small windows made the interior too dark, and it reportedly lacked ventilation. A gallery (which is no longer extant) was then constructed at the western end.
[[File:Old Perth Boys School (interior).jpg|thumb|left|120px|The interior of Old Perth Boys School]]
[[File:Old Perth Boys School (interior).jpg|thumb|left|120px|The interior of Old Perth Boys School]]
In 1865, a small southern wing was added and, two years later, a northern wing was constructed. For a number of years, the school had an average of 200 students but, in 1894, due to an increase in population attributable to the gold rush, the figure increased to 346. Additional facilities were constructed in a temporary timber extension at the eastern end of the school to accommodate additional students. At the same time, plans were underway for a new [[Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts|Perth Boys' and Girls' School]] in [[James Street, Northbridge|James Street]], which was completed at the end of 1896 and to which the students were relocated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/wa/Perth/OldPerthBoysSchool/21185 |title=Old Perth Boys School |publisher=Aussie Heritage.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>
In 1865, a small southern wing was added and, two years later, a northern wing was constructed. For a number of years, the school had an average of 200 students but, in 1894, due to an increase in population attributable to the gold rush, the figure increased to 346. Additional facilities were constructed in a temporary timber extension at the eastern end of the school to accommodate additional students. At the same time, plans were underway for a new [[Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts|Perth Boys' and Girls' School]] on [[James Street, Northbridge|James Street]], which was completed at the end of 1896 and to which the students were relocated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/wa/Perth/OldPerthBoysSchool/21185 |title=Old Perth Boys School |publisher=Aussie Heritage.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>


The building was incorporated into [[Old Perth Technical School|Perth Technical College]] in 1900.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centraltafe.wa.edu.au/Dynamic/DynamicPge.asp?a=10751,0,1 |title=Central TAFE - College History |publisher=[[Central TAFE]] |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> In 1976 the [[Public Works Department, Western Australia|Public Works Department]] restored the front fence adjoining St Georges Terrace. In 1977, the place was used as offices for the headquarters for the [[National Trust of Australia (WA)]], with the Trust undertaking conservation work to the stone walls in 1978. In the 1990s, the building operated for use as a retail shop for the National Trust of Australia (WA) and included a bookshop and restaurant. In 1995, the retail outlet was converted for use as a cafe by a private organisation. The Trust re-roofed the building in 2000 – 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ntwa.com.au/about/2000-2001/report-properties.shtml |title=2000-2001 Annual Report |publisher=National Trust (WA) |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>
The building was incorporated into [[Old Perth Technical School|Perth Technical College]] in 1900.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centraltafe.wa.edu.au/Dynamic/DynamicPge.asp?a=10751,0,1 |title=Central TAFE - College History |publisher=[[Central TAFE]] |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> In 1976, the [[Public Works Department, Western Australia|Public Works Department]] restored the front fence adjoining St Georges Terrace. In 1977, the place was used as offices for the headquarters for the [[National Trust of Australia (WA)]], with the Trust undertaking conservation work to the stone walls in 1978. In the 1990s, the building operated for use as a retail shop for the National Trust of Australia (WA) and included a bookshop and restaurant. In 1995, the retail outlet was converted for use as a cafe by a private organisation. The Trust re-roofed the building in 2000–2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ntwa.com.au/about/2000-2001/report-properties.shtml |title=2000-2001 Annual Report |publisher=National Trust (WA) |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>


==Current use==
==Current use==
The building is owned by the [[National Trust of Western Australia]] and was used as a [[café]] and [[wine bar]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theguide.com.au/BrowseClient.aspx?AccountID=1340 |title=Reverleys Café & Wine Bar |publisher=The Guide.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> In 2015 [[Curtin University]] announced it had signed a lease with the National Trust of Western Australia to use the building for a range of shop-front activities. Curtin is working with the National Trust to complete an internal fit-out of the building during 2015.
The building is owned by the [[National Trust of Western Australia]] and was used as a [[café]] and [[wine bar]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theguide.com.au/BrowseClient.aspx?AccountID=1340 |title=Reverleys Café & Wine Bar |publisher=The Guide.com |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> In 2015, [[Curtin University]] announced it had signed a lease with the National Trust of Western Australia to use the building for a range of shop-front activities. Curtin, working with the National Trust, completed an internal fit-out of the building in 2017 creating a University outstation for course activities in the central business district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://properties.curtin.edu.au/our-projects/old-perth-boys-school.cfm|title=Old Perth Boys’ School – Curtin St Georges Tce|publisher=Curtin University|access-date=24 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.museumofperth.com.au/old-perth-boys-school|title=Old Perth Boys School|publisher=Museum of Perth|access-date=24 June 2021}}</ref>


==Heritage value==
==Heritage value==
The Old Perth Boys School building was entered into the [[Register of the National Estate]] by the [[Australian Heritage Commission]] in March, 1978 and is classified by the National Trust (WA). It was permanently entered on to the State Register of Heritage Places on 13 March 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/comprehensivereport.html?place_seq=2117 |title=Register of Heritage Places (Number 2117) Old Perth Boys' School |publisher=[[Heritage Council of Western Australia]] |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>
The Old Perth Boys School building was entered into the [[Register of the National Estate]] by the [[Australian Heritage Commission]] in March 1978 and is classified by the National Trust (WA). It was permanently entered on to the State Register of Heritage Places on 13 March 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/comprehensivereport.html?place_seq=2117 |title=Register of Heritage Places (Number 2117) Old Perth Boys' School |publisher=[[Heritage Council of Western Australia]] |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}}
{{coord|-31.9543|115.8546|type:edu_region:AU|display=title}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
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* ''Perth Boys School - 1847 - 1947 - The Story of the First Hundred Years of a Great School with a Background of the History of Education in Western Australia'' John K Ewers, (Perth Government Printer) 1947
* ''Perth Boys School - 1847 - 1947 - The Story of the First Hundred Years of a Great School with a Background of the History of Education in Western Australia'' John K Ewers, (Perth Government Printer) 1947


[[Category:Landmarks in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:State Register of Heritage Places in the City of Perth]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:State Register of Heritage Places]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Defunct schools in Western Australia]]
[[Category:Defunct schools in Western Australia]]
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[[Category:National Trust of Western Australia]]
[[Category:National Trust of Western Australia]]
[[Category:St Georges Terrace]]
[[Category:St Georges Terrace]]
[[Category:1847 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Schools in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:1854 establishments in Australia]]

Latest revision as of 23:56, 2 November 2023

Old Perth Boys School
Old Perth Boys School
Map
General information
TypeGovernment school
LocationPerth, Western Australia
Coordinates31°57′15″S 115°51′16″E / 31.954304°S 115.854574°E / -31.954304; 115.854574 (Old Perth Boys School)
Construction startedFebruary 1853
Completed27 September 1854; 169 years ago (1854-09-27)
TypeState Registered Place
Designated25 June 1993
Reference no.2117

The Old Perth Boys School, located at 139 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, is the earliest government school building in Western Australia.[1] The single-storey limestone building was designed by William Ayshford Sanford in 1852 and is a significant example of a colonial building constructed in Perth from the mid-nineteenth century.

Built form

[edit]

The Old Perth Boys School was designed in an early gothic revival architecture style.[2] It is a single-storey limestone building with a steeply pitched roof (originally shingled) and narrow vertical windows. The building, which closely resembles a church, had a wing added to the north in 1865 and another to the south in 1868. The shingle roof has been covered with corrugated iron sheeting, and the bell tower and spire have been removed.

History

[edit]

The Perth Boys School was established in 1847, despite not having a permanent school building. The school occupied an assortment of vacant places, including the Old Court House.

The location selected for the permanent school building was originally the site of a water-powered flour mill[3] operated by Henry Willey Reveley, the civil engineer for the Swan River Colony.[4][5]

Perth Boys School, 1861.

Construction of the school began in February 1853 and was completed 27 September 1854. The school was designed by William Ayshford Sanford, Colonial Secretary from 1852 to 1855,[6] during which period he was also chairman of the board of education with an interest in schools. Sanford designed both the Perth Boys and Fremantle Boys schools. Sanford was a member of the Cambridge Camden Society[7] and was an amateur architect with a passion for ecclesiastical architecture and, as a result, the school resembles a gothic-revival-style church. The cost of constructing the building proved greater than expected. The additional expense was attributed to the boggy ground and the need for extra foundations. The building was a long, narrow structure with an east-west axis. It proved to be too small; the small windows made the interior too dark, and it reportedly lacked ventilation. A gallery (which is no longer extant) was then constructed at the western end.

The interior of Old Perth Boys School

In 1865, a small southern wing was added and, two years later, a northern wing was constructed. For a number of years, the school had an average of 200 students but, in 1894, due to an increase in population attributable to the gold rush, the figure increased to 346. Additional facilities were constructed in a temporary timber extension at the eastern end of the school to accommodate additional students. At the same time, plans were underway for a new Perth Boys' and Girls' School on James Street, which was completed at the end of 1896 and to which the students were relocated.[8]

The building was incorporated into Perth Technical College in 1900.[9] In 1976, the Public Works Department restored the front fence adjoining St Georges Terrace. In 1977, the place was used as offices for the headquarters for the National Trust of Australia (WA), with the Trust undertaking conservation work to the stone walls in 1978. In the 1990s, the building operated for use as a retail shop for the National Trust of Australia (WA) and included a bookshop and restaurant. In 1995, the retail outlet was converted for use as a cafe by a private organisation. The Trust re-roofed the building in 2000–2001.[10]

Current use

[edit]

The building is owned by the National Trust of Western Australia and was used as a café and wine bar.[11] In 2015, Curtin University announced it had signed a lease with the National Trust of Western Australia to use the building for a range of shop-front activities. Curtin, working with the National Trust, completed an internal fit-out of the building in 2017 creating a University outstation for course activities in the central business district.[12][13]

Heritage value

[edit]

The Old Perth Boys School building was entered into the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission in March 1978 and is classified by the National Trust (WA). It was permanently entered on to the State Register of Heritage Places on 13 March 1992.[14]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Information on display in the Old Perth Boys School building, 2016-11-13
  2. ^ "Heritage assessment - Old Perth Boys School" (PDF). Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  3. ^ "Reveleys Mill Site". Aussie Heritage.com. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  4. ^ "The Old Perth Boys School". Life on Perth.com. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  5. ^ "Henry Willey Reveley". Dictionary of Australian Artists. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  6. ^ "William Ayshford Sanford". Dictionary of Australian Artists. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  7. ^ Rich, Paul. "Perth's 'The Cloisters' as an icon of Educational Elitism : Romancing the Stone". University of Western Australia. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  8. ^ "Old Perth Boys School". Aussie Heritage.com. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  9. ^ "Central TAFE - College History". Central TAFE. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  10. ^ "2000-2001 Annual Report". National Trust (WA). Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  11. ^ "Reverleys Café & Wine Bar". The Guide.com. Retrieved 19 June 2008.
  12. ^ "Old Perth Boys' School – Curtin St Georges Tce". Curtin University. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  13. ^ "Old Perth Boys School". Museum of Perth. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  14. ^ "Register of Heritage Places (Number 2117) Old Perth Boys' School". Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 20 June 2008.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Old Perth Boys School and the National Trust Clement R. H., (The National Trust of Australia (WA) )
  • Perth Boys School - 1847 - 1947 - The Story of the First Hundred Years of a Great School with a Background of the History of Education in Western Australia John K Ewers, (Perth Government Printer) 1947