Bellevue Mechanics' Institute

Statement of Significance

The place represents an indication of the importance of Bellevue as a suburb of Midland Junction with its own educational and cultural purposes in the early years of the 20th century.

Physical Description

Rectangular public hall building of brick construction now rendered with cement, with a corrugated iron roof. The front facade has ornamental mouldings in cement along the parapet and a triangular pediment at the centre. There is a curved pediment over the front door. The surrounds of the two front windows are ornamental with stucco work on all sides. The plain side walls are buttressed with roof height piers between the door and window openings. The original front door/s have/has been replaced.

The front facade has the addition of a flat roofed porch in 1960s style, somewhat out of keeping with the rest of the building.

A Shire of Swan crest is painted on the left hand side of the facade, which is worth preserving. The date of construction of the building is recorded in relief in the curved pediment over the front door.

History

The place represents the Mechanics' Institute ethos, which was to promote the educational and cultural development of the community. Once prolific, the majority of Mechanics' Institutes have been replaced by the public library and adult education systems and their social function has all but disappeared.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

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.