Guildford Grammar School Chapel

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of the Gothic Perpendicular revival in Australia, and is the most prominent example of all the school chapels in the State;

The place is a powerful and enduring icon of the school and its educational ethos for all who have been associated with the school, particularly during their formative years;

The proportions of the design have been masterfully scaled by the prominent English architect, Sir Walter Tapper into the adjoining complex of school buildings and the 'village green' setting, establishing a Guildford landmark;

The technical skills and traditional craft evident in the construction of this building established a benchmark from which future generations of artisans can learn; and

Associated with the philanthropic generosity of Cecil Oliverson, the determination of the headmaster Reverend Henn, and the architectural skills of prominent English architect Sir Walter Tapper, the place is a demonstration of human faith and culmination of achievement, dedication and persistence.

Physical Description

The Chapel of St Mary & St George was built on land adjoining the town site of Guildford. Chapel was built in 1912, of English Gothic style. Bricks on external walls are faced with Donnybrook stone. Slim buttresses on side walls accentuate building height.

History

Guildford Grammar School was founded in 1896 by Charles Harper, who resided in the neighbouring mansion of 'Woodbridge', for the education of his children. By 1909 the school had grown to over 100 students, which led to Harper's decision to sell the school to the Church of England. Sir Walter Tapper prepared a design and his son Michael came to Western Australia to implement it. Skilled artisans from England came to the State to assist.

Work commenced in February 1912 and the chapel took two years to build. The foundation stone was laid by Sir Edward Stone KCMG, the Lieutenant Governor, on 2 July 1912. The building was constructed from expensive Donnybrook stone, and was 80 feet high, 135 feet long, and 45 feet wide. J.C.W. Bewsey, a leading stain glass artist, was commissioned to design the east window and the unique raised reredos.

The Chapel of St. George and St. Mary was eventually consecrated on Lady Day, 25 March 1914, with the final cost being £42,000. The building was highly praised and envied throughout the country. The Swan Express stated that it was 'very valuable to the State and Australia.

Throughout the decades the chapel has been integral in the education of the boys of Guildford Grammar and four special school occasions (Lady Day, Annual Confirmation, Speech Day, and Carols Service) are associated with the chapel. Students and their parents have also left their mark on the chapel, the most significant being the erection of six Memorial Windows in the 1950s dedicated to students who had died in World War Two as pilots.

A fire was started in 1980 which caused considerable damage that was not fully repaired until 1989. Much of the interior was reconstructed.

Chapel was built alongside an early 1836 church built by Missionary Society which was first permanent church ever erected in WA. Nothing remains of this early building.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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