Boulder Primary School

Statement of Significance

Boulder Primary School is a fine, well built Federation Arts and Crafts style building, set in an open landscape and with many important internal features. (Criterion 1.1)

Boulder Primary School contributes to the core of well designed buildings that make up Boulder's cohesive visual identity. (Criterion 1.3)

Boulder Primary School is indicative of the development of a settled community after the early years of the Eastern Goldfields goldrush and is associated with the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields from the late 1890s. (Criterion 2.2)

The first Arbor Day celebrations in the Eastern Goldfields were held at Boulder Primary School in 1899 and some of the trees planted on that day are still on the site. (Criterion 2.2)

Boulder Primary School is associated with George Temple Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley, who were responsible for many of the State's public buildings as Chief Government Architects. (Criterion 2.3)

Numerous notable teachers and students are also associated with the place. These include students Norman and Cyril Murphy (Rhodes scholars), Griff Richards (editor of The West Australian 1914-1920), Rica Erickson (artist, author, historian), Joe Lugg (scientist), Nancy Lee (actress) and teacher Victor F. H. Box (who later became Head of the Education Department). (Criterion 2.3)

Boulder Primary School has social significance as it engenders a sense of place and continuity for the people of Boulder, generations of whom commenced their education there. (Criterion 4.1)

Boulder Primary School is unusual in that the building's pattern of growth is easily legible in the changing finishes and the treatment of detail over time. (Criterion 5.1)

Boulder Primary School is representative of the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields and is one of the most complex examples of its type. (Criterion 6.2)

The place is representative of the schools designed by Government Architects George Temple Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley. (Criterion 6.2)

Statement of Significance: Boulder Primary School, a stone and face brick school building in the Federation Arts and Crafts style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:

- the place is a fine, well built Federation Arts and Crafts style building, set in an open landscape, that contributes to Boulder's cohesive visual identity;

- the place is the only permanent Government primary school building in Boulder and is associated with the prominent Government Chief Architects George Temple Poole, John Grainger and Hillson Beasley;

- the place is socially important as a building which engenders a sense of place and continuity for the people of Boulder, generations of whom commenced their educated there;

- the place is representative of the development and rapid growth of primary schools in the Eastern Goldfields and is one of the more complex examples of its type; and,

- the place is associated with a number of notable teachers and students.

Other buildings on the site are considered to have little heritage significance and the unsympathetic introduction of air conditioning is considered to be intrusive. Alterations to some of the classroom accommodation in early 1998 to provide offices and a reception area are intrusive.

The landscape setting is typical of many schools throughout Western Australia and is not especially significant.

Physical Description

Boulder Primary School is built in the Federation Arts and Crafts style (Apperly et al, 1989).

For a discussion of the physical evidence, refer to Considine et al (1997).

Boulder Primary School has a moderate to high degree of authenticity, although many areas have been extensively remodelled and extended.

The stonework is deteriorating in several locations at the lower levels, mostly below the damp-proof course and mortar is being lost from the joints where they are not protected by verandahs. Poor maintenance has also contributed to the deterioration of the fabric. A programme of repairs to rectify many of these defects was carried out in early 1998.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate to High

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.