The Museum of Perth chronicles the social, cultural, political and architectural history of Perth.
Bassendean Pensioner
Guard Cottage and Residence
The Museum of Perth is excited to have been chosen by the Town of Bassendean as the preferred candidate to restore the 1856-built Pensioner Guard Cottage at 1 Surrey Street, Bassendean, and the adjoining 1893-built Residence.
We recognise the enormous significance of this site and our plans include:
Ensuring the Pensioner Guard Cottage is open to the public frequently; at least on a weekly basis, if not more often.
We hope to work in partnership with the Bassendean Historical Society, which has a long association with the Cottage.
Installation of an accessible bathroom and a kitchenette for volunteers in the 1950s washroom behind the cottage.
Careful planning and planting of gardens in keeping with the contemporary heritage of both cottages.
All stabilisation and repair works as identified by the Town of Bassendean’s engineer’s report.
For the 1893 Residence specifically, our plans include:
Realignment of the roof profile to its original profile and replacing the concrete tiles with corrugated iron (same as original material).
Repair and restoration of roof timbers (where necessary).
Repair and restoration, or replacement of ceilings throughout.
Stabilisation and repair of cracked lintels.
Asbestos remediation.
Painting of the Residence and and restoration of its original style.
Research and reinstatement of its original timber verandahs, with verandah posts.
The Residence in particular, on the left of the Pensioner Guard Cottage, is in need of lots of TLC!
Once restored we plan to establish a Local Research Centre here to host our historians and community volunteers. The adjoining Pensioner Guard Cottage, built in 1856, will remain open to the public as a Living History Museum, allowing its important story to be acknowledged and celebrated.
We have had very fruitful discussions with members of the Bassendean Arts Community and look forward to hosting their Committee, events and activities in the Residence building once our restorations are complete and the Council declares the premises habitable once again.
We are heartened that descendants of Law Davis family and subsequent owners have come forward to offer their support for our restoration plans. We have also been in touch with a number of local builders and technical specialists who have offered their services.
The gardens surrounding both properties are also in need of planning and nurturing.
If you have a passion for restoration, or heritage gardening, and would like to lend us a hand in the months and years ahead, please get in touch: info@museumofperth.com.au
Our Story
The Museum of Perth chronicles the social, cultural, political and architectural history of Perth. We are located at 8-10 Esplanade Perth.
In more recent years we have establish Local History Research Offices in partnership with the City of Bunbury and the Town of East Fremantle, and we are in the process of establishing a Research Office in the City of Fremantle’s historic West End.
We have also recently established London Court Books, a bookshop in State heritage-listed London Court.
For more information about the Museum of Perth, please contact our Executive Director Reece Harley. reece@museumofperth.com.au.
