House, 60 Wilson Street

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a substantially intact timber residence from the 1920s.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of the area known as West Guildford, later Bassendean in the 1920ss.
• The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of housing constructed fo rprofessional members of the community in the 1920s.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed house with a hipped roof. The roof and verandah canopy have been reclad with red Colorbond. The tall brick chimney features honey pot flues. The verandah canopy is separate to the main roof, being a bullnose canopy across the full width of the front elevation and supported on turned timber posts. Double timber framed 1-over-1 sash windows flank the centrally placed main entrance door. The entrance is a traditional arrangement of timber panelled door with side panels and fanlights with leaded and stained
glass.

History

This portion of Bassendean, on the eastern side of Wilson Street, was subdivided by a group of investors in 1898 under the promotional name of 'West End'. The group of investors included some of the most wellknown members of colonial society: S.H. Parker, G.H. Leake, H. Anstey, Dr D. Kenny, J. James, J. Grave, H.E. Parry, Dr. J. Hope and W. Paterson. Three of these men; Parker, Leake and Paterson; were at various times members of parliament. Wilson Street was the western boundary of this subdivision and a slightly later subdivision was created c1902 on the western side of Wilson Street. The name of the street recognises either the Premier of Western Australia, Frank Wilson but more likely an early resident of Guildford, Colonel Wilson. From the available information this residence was built c1924 for laboratory assistant and later assistant assayer, Percy Melmoth Gibson (c1889-1968) and his wife Myra Eleanor, nee Kynaston. The couple married in 1913 and had one son.
The form and extent of the cottage have not changed considerably since construction as indicated in the aerial photos of the property.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate

Condition

Good

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.