Bristile Kilns (fmr), Belmont

Statement of Significance

An exceptional assemblage of a group of kilns of types commonly used in Australia in the first half of the twentieth century. These were built between 1929 and 1950, and are thought to be the largest such group surviving in the country.
The place has been assessed by the National Trust of Australia (WA) and has been entered in the Register of that body as a classified building with the following statement of significance:
“Pottery works , established by Piercy and Pitman opposite the Ascot Racecourse, became a company known as the WA Pottery Co soon after 1910 with Mr Pitman as Manager. This company was taken over in 1930 by H L Brisbane and Co and in 1938 Wunderlich Ltd acquired an interest and the firm became H L Brisbane & Wunderlich Ltd. Prior to forming his own company Lance Brisbane had worked for Wunderlich’s and had a lasting friendship with the family. In later years the Belmont factory concentrated on the manufacture of vitrified clay pipes. It has long been one of the main industries in the area.”
The place has also been assessed by the Australian Heritage Commission and has been
entered in the Register of the National Estate.

Physical Description

An assemblage of a group of kilns situated on Grandstand Road in Belmont, opposite the
Ascot Racecourse. The kilns and chimneys are clearly visible from Grandstand Road.

History

1929 Founding of company H.L.Brisbane & Co Ltd. Business of Westralian Potteries, which began in 1895, was taken over. This had 2 kilns fired with wood and coal.

1934 Two new kilns were added, built by Ernie Banks .

1935 Building additions to pipe and tile factories.

1936 Additions to buildings and plant.

1938 Name change to H.L.Brisbane & Wunderlich Ltd.

1947 Belmont tile factory extended by installation of modern equipment and additional kilns.

1948 Additional drying chambers installed at Belmont tile factory.

1954 Two new kilns and stack added.

1955 New clay sheds erected, improved grinding machinery installed.

1958 Production of roofing tiles ceased at Belmont on December 17.

1963 Major redevelopment of Belmont pipe factory. Opened on 12 December by Hon. C.W.M. Court.

1968 Reconstruction of existing rectangular kiln.

1971 Erection of new factory at Belmont with Bickley shuttle kiln.

1972 No. 2 pipe factory commissioned at Belmont.

1978 Conversion of Belmont No. 2 plant to roofing tile production.

1982 Bristile clay pipe division closed down after 50 years in Belmont.

(Source : Bristile’s 50th year report publication)

Condition

Poor

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.