HOUSE, 21 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 21 Wray Avenue, is a typical brick, rendered masonry and iron single storey house dating from 1915/16. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

21 Wray Avenue is a single storey, brick, rendered masonry and iron house with an asymmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are face brick and rendered masonry. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with corrugated iron. The ‘L’ shaped verandah has a continuous corrugated iron roof and is supported by chamfered timber posts with decorative timber balustrade. There is a rendered masonry wall to the front boundary line.

History

Wray Avenue was originally Hampton Street. The named was changed to avoid confusion with the intersecting Hampton Road. It became Alexander Road, after Laurence Alexander, Mayor 1901-1902, and a representative of Falk & Co. The street name was again changed to avoid confusion with Alexandra Road in East Fremantle, and became Wray Avenue in 1923. It was named for William E Wray, at one time with the Education Dept as Truant Inspector, and a resident of the street. He was on the Fremantle Tramways Board and Mayor of Fremantle, 1914-1918.

This house was formerly 75 Wray Avenue; the numbering changing in 1935/36.

This brick and stone house valued at £650 was built for the owners Amy Priestley and Selina Kerila in 1915/16. It was first occupied by Albert James Lea Holt a prominent businessman and later by Amy Priestley. It remained in the Priestley family until the 1940s.

It has been suggested that this house is one of several in the street (21 to 35) which were designed by architect Norman Hitchcock who was active in Fremantle in the early part of the 20th century.

A photograph of the place in 1979 shows the detail of the gable on the roof. The high brick wall on the front boundary obscures any detail of the house.

This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.