Local Government
Cottesloe
Region
Metropolitan
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
9 Servetus St Cottesloe
Location Details
House moved 13/8/96 to Allen Park, Swanbourne.
Construction Date
Constructed from 1907
Demolition Year
2000Statutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Register | Removed | 01 Jul 2021 |
Register Entry |
Heritage Council |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Sep 1995 | Category 7 |
Category 7 |
|
| Register of the National Estate | Removed from RNE |
|
Heritage Council | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 06 Aug 1973 |
|
Heritage Council | |
Statement of Significance
The cottage was built by the famous Australian writer Joseph Furphy. It has become one of the most
famous literary museums in Australia. The place is also significant for the rare beaten copper panels
decorating the fireplace and doors. One of a decreasing number of weatherboard cottages in the
metropolitan area.
Physical Description
Dwelling has been relocated to Allen Park in Swanbourne.
"Tom Collins' House", A typical worker's cottage of simple design constructed in 1907 with weatherboards
and an iron roof. Gable fronted with projecting front room and verandah to the side. This has been
partially filled in to create a small entrance foyer. At a latter date the front door was moved to the side
entering off the verandah. Triple glazed sash window to front living room with protecting iron sun hood.
No decorative trims. Alterations to the interior during the 1930s include a fireplace surround with beaten
copper overmantle and plaquettes, and doors with beaten copper panels with motifs based on
grapevines, fruiting quandong trees and kangaroo-paws. Unsympathetic brick addition to the rear of the
cottage, otherwise high integrity.
History
One of the first homes to be erected in Servetus Street, Tom Collins House, was built by the famous Australian writer
Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) in 1907. Using the pen name of Tom Collins, Furphy wrote the classic Such is Life which
was published in 1903. Furphy built the home with the help of a neighbour who was a builder, and planted a fig and
mulberry tree which still exist today. After Joseph's, then his wife Leonie's death, their son Sam and wife Mattie moved
into the house in the 1930s. Mattie installed the beaten copper fireplace overmantle and door panels she created for
her previous home. These have considerable artistic and rarity value. In 1949 the house became the headquarters of
the Fellowship of Australian Writers (WA) and literary museum. Tom Collins House has been classified by the National
Trust, is listed on the National Estate register and interim listed with the state's Heritage Council.
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity fair-good
Modifications additions over years - front door realigned to side etc
Condition
Site
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marchant James, R; "Heritage of Pines". | 1977 | ||
| Lang J; "At the Toss of a Coin". | Tom Collins Press | 1987 | |
| Lang J; "The Cottesleo Story". p. 106-108 | 1977 | ||
| AHC; "The Heritage of Western Australia: The illustrated Register of the National Estate." p. 13 | Australian Heritage Council | 1989 |
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8427 | The Furphy family in Western Australia : upwardly mobile in Perth. | Journal article | 2005 |
| 734 | Heritage assessment and conservation plan for Tom Collins House. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 1995 |
| 87 | Tom Collins and his house | Book | 1973 |
| 4437 | Post haste the millennium: opportunities & challenges in Local Studies. Proceedings of the 2nd National ALIA Local studies Section Conference. | Conference proceedings | 1999 |
| 88 | At the toss of a coin : Joseph Furphy the western link. | Book | 1987 |
| 1195 | Tom Collins' house. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 0 |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other |
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
Creation Date
30 May 1989Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
31 Dec 2016Disclaimer
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.