Maylands Brickworks

Statement of Significance

For over 50 years the Maylands brickworks aided the growth of Perth by supplying the city with much needed clay bricks. Owing to its central position it was particularly important in the early years when road transport was not so well developed. The brickwork in the construction of the chimney and kilns is of interest and the building illustrates the technology of its period. With the curing shed, extruder shed and tower and associated rail tracks, trolleys, etc. the whole of the brick making process can be seen.

Physical Description

The kiln has brick external walls, brick vaulted kilns surrounding a central core, at ground level, with clay fill over the vaults and central core to form a level platform, under a metal clad roof. The platform was used for positioning of oil feed to burners, and observation openings for temperature and heat control. Until 1967 the kiln ran on powered coal but about this time it was changed to a natural gas system. The kiln dying was a continuous process, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One section of the kiln was being fired while another was being filled, and another emptied.

Fenced off from the kiln are the extruder shed and tower, curing shed and the remains of rail tracks and trolleys, buildings of corrugated iron with timber supports.

History

Clay was found by the Metropolitan Brick Co. Ltd on the Maylands Peninsula in 1922 and clay bearing land was purchased. In 1927 a proposal for using the clay on site was accepted and the brickworks was completed using a single chimney 18 chamber 15ft diameter Hoffman Kiln, with a 7 million per year brick producing capacity. A second kiln was brought to the site in 1936 but this was dismantled in the 1970s. The original kiln continued in operation until early in 1983 when the brickworks were shut down and production ceased permanently.

Condition

The kiln is in good condition, but the rest of the buildings on site are deteriorating

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.