House, 37 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 Inter War period.
• The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of housing constructed for working families.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed weatherboard and corrugated galvanised iron dwelling hidden behind a well planted garden containing mature trees and shrubs. Property has a symmetrical façade with a centrally placed entrance flanked by timber framed sash windows, each with one full sized sash with narrow sashes either side. The entrance consists of a timber panelled and glazed door with stained glass and leaded patterning to the
glazed panel. High level leaded windows flank the entry. A hipped corrugated galvanised iron roof sweeps down to form the verandah canopy supported on square timber posts.
The original cottage has a large addition to the rear.

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 constructed in the late 1920s and the first occupant was Thomas Bell (c1880-1951) and his family.

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.