Katharine Susannah Prichard's House

Statement of Significance

Katharine's Place has very high historic significance for it's associations with Katharine Susannah Pritchard, Hugo Throssell VC and the Rev. Percy U Henn; very high social significance as a writer's centre, an illustration of a writer's way of life and as a typical turn of the century semi-rural house/lifestyle; and high aesthetic significance for the house in it's rambling garden setting complete with very large, old pine tree that provides something of a local landmark.

Physical Description

Katharine's Place is located in rambling gardens moulded around the natural slope and granite features of its Greenmount site. A very large old pine tree on the site provides a landmark for the surrounding neighbourhood. Various elements of granite stonework such as the pergola columns and low walls provide a comfortable transition between the timber, weatherboard house and its 'natural' garden setting.
The 1896 weatherboard house, originally of typical four roomed plan with central passage and surrounding verandas is still intact although some veranda enclosures have modified its form. The roof is of corrugated iron, in typical hipped form. Outbuildings, comprising wash-house, WC and Katharine Susannah Prichard's 1929 writing studio are also of weatherboard and compliment the house. The exception is the modern carport attached to the old wash-house. Unfortunately the old WC is collapsing under the weight of an old pine tree and vines.
Internally, the four main rooms of the house retain their lath and plaster walls and ceilings, unadorned by ceiling roses or cornices. Floors and skirting are of timber and doors are four panelled type.
For more complete descriptions of the place and its significance, see the Heritage Council of WA descriptions for Interim Register Entry and Campbell, R.McK., and van Bremen I.H., Katharine's Place, Greenmount: Conservation Report (June 1993).

History

Katharine Susannah Prichard's house in Old York Road, Greenmount, was built in c. 1896 by a tenant on land owned by auctioneer and former Visiting Magistrate, James Morrison. The land had been part of Captain James Stirling's original 4,000 acre Swan Location 16, later owned by Henry Brockman. In 1910, part of the land, including Lot 51, which contained the four room home, and the adjoining Lot 52, were purchased and used as a weekender by Guildford Grammar School founding Headmaster, Rev. Percy Henn. In c. 1919/1920, the 2 lots, and 140 acres to the south of the York Road (Great Eastern Highway) were purchased by Hugo (Jim) Throssell, V.C. Winner and son of former State Premier and Northam identity, George Throssell. In Melbourne in January 1919, Hugo Throssell had married Fijian-born writer, Katharine Susannah Prichard, and moved to Western Australia. Their association with the Greenmount house continued until Katharine died in October 1969.
Katharine Susannah Prichard's writing reflected her interests in social and political issues, and whilst at Greenmount she enhanced her already established literary reputation with novels such as Working Bullocks (1926) and Coonardoo (1928). She helped establish the W.A. Branch of the Communist Party and was actively involved in the W.A. Fellowship of Writers.
During the 1920's and 1930's, changes tot he property included the establishment of the garden addition of a northern aspect verandah, and a separate weatherboard workroom, financed by prize money Katharine received fo rthe novel "Coonardoo". Following Jim Throssell's suicide in 1933, few changes were made to the house until the 1970's, when after Katharine Susannah Pritchard's death, P & S Lewis altered the garden and house, opening it as "Megalong Gallery" in 1974. A plaque was placed on the house to celebrate the centenary of Katharine Susannah Pritchard's birth in 1884. In 1984, the State Government purchased Lot 51 and vested it in the Shire of Mundaring. At Present the house is on a 21 year lease to the Katharine Susannah Pritchard Foundation who use the property for a Writer in Residence programme and literary meetings.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High, despite modifications over the years and adaption as a writer's centre.
Modifications: Verandah enclosures.

Condition

good, sound condition

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.