Museum of Perth

13/04/2026

Volunteer Archivist/Librarian – Perth History Association

We’re looking for a reliable and detail-oriented volunteer to help care for and develop our Archives at the Perth History Association.

This is a hands-on role for someone interested in Perth history - organising and cataloguing material, maintaining records, and helping preserve important stories.

We’re particularly keen to hear from someone who:
• Can commit to regular weekly attendance (1-2 days, your choice of days)
• Takes ownership and enjoys working independently
• Has an interest in history, archives, and research
• Working as part of a great, dedicated team

Location: Perth CBD (no onsite parking; easily accessible by public transport)

This role may suit a retired or semi-retired person looking to contribute in a meaningful way.

Please get in touch via [email protected] if this sounds like you!

12/03/2026

We have noticed recently that the new owners of The Brisbane Hotel on Beaufort St Perth have been stripping back paint on the facade to reveal earlier finishes and tiles . Here's a reimagining of what it might have looked like back in 1898, with original brickwork and ornate original verandahs! Note: It's an AI generated image and not every detail is accurate - but have a look at the old photo for that!

A history:
The Brisbane Hotel was built in 1898, on part of Perth Town Lot N97 at the corner of Beaufort and Brisbane streets. The building was fitted into the triangular shaped corner created where Brisbane Street angled northeastward past the corner of Stone's Lake to link with Bulwer Street. Beaufort Street was the main thoroughfare to the rapidly developing residential areas of Highgate and immediate surrounds.

Mixed residential and commercial development was spreading along Beaufort Street and in December 1897, a tramline was gazetted to run the length of the street from the Barrack Street jetty to Walcott Street. The Brisbane Hotel was built for G. & A. Y. Glyde. In 1898, the publican was A. H. Woodgate. In 1905, it was William Ireland, in 1910 Marian Haines, and in 1915 P. M. O'Donahue. The upstairs guest rooms attracted travelers as there were horse stables at the rear. The hotel was originally constructed in Federation Free Classical with a Filigree style two-storey verandah.

In 1929, tiles were added to the front of the hotel, during a period when many existing hotels were undergoing modernisation and attempting to present a sleek modern look. In 1933, architects Oldham, Boas and Ednie-Brown redesigned the public bar. The ground floor public areas have been recently refurbished.

The Effie Crump Theatre has operated for a number of years on the upper floor, which originally provided bedroom accommodation. Birdwood Square is opposite the hotel and in the 1950's and 1960's it was the home ground for the Surf Hockey Club.

In the 1960's the hotel housed a prestigious restaurant and in the 1990's the second floor was converted from bedroom accomodation to house the Effie Crump theatre. The hotel and the theatre were closed for extensive renovations in 2003 and the hotel reopened under new management at the end 2004.

City of Vincent

11/03/2026

289 Beaufort Street Perth, Source Foods. Reimagined with the bricks tuck-pointed and the double storey timber and cast iron lacework verandahs rebuilt.

Throughout the 1960's many of Perth's original timber balconies were removed. A few now are being replaced - The Royal Hotel in Perth is a recent ecample.

Let us know any other buildings you'd like us to reimagine!

10/03/2026

Do you have photos of Bon Marché Arcade?

Urbis, on behalf of owners Canci Group, is inviting the public to help uncover the history of the Bon Marché Arcade on Barrack Street.

As part of plans to adaptively reuse the heritage-listed arcade, Urbis is seeking historical photographs of the interior of the building. Images of shops, walkways, signage, events or everyday activity inside the arcade are all of interest.

These photographs will help inform a Heritage Interpretation Plan that tells the story of the arcade and its place in Perth’s city life.

If you have photographs or would like to share information, please contact before 1 April 2026:
Wade Goldwyer
Heritage Consultant
[email protected]
+61 8 9346 0506

Your memories could help shape how this much-loved place is understood by future generations.

24/12/2025

Thank you so much to all of our followers, supporters, donors, volunteers and staff. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a wonderfully relaxing break!

13/12/2025

Great news for those of you, like us, who love the classics! 🖼️

More than 70 works from the 19th to 21st centuries feature in a new exhibition, Attachment Styles: Love, Longing and the State Art Collection at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

They have been safely in storage for a time to allow some of the gallery’s more than 18,000 other works space to shine

READ full story in the comments.

05/12/2025

Walking along Murray Street today and we noticed that the massive doors to 325 Murray Street Perth were open. Just inside the doors is the famous Ledger cast-iron spiral staircase.

The building is currently being restored. We understand Paspaley - the pearl jeweller will be moving in.

A history below courtesy of the State Heritage Council:

- - - -

The substation was constructed in 1914 to supply electricity to part of the City of Perth. The substation was part of the network of substations which linked the power meters and cables around Perth. The first electricity in Perth was generated by the Western Australian Electric Light and Power Company in 1888. In 1893 the Perth Gas Company became the main supplier after distributing gas for 10 years. The Perth City Council bought Perth Gas Company in 1911, however the State Government purchased the Perth Electric Tramways Ltd, the other major producer of electricity and proposed to enter an agreement to establish a central power station. Part of the agreement was that the Government would supply a main cable ring which had high-tension switchgear and meter panel points at substations on the main cable ring. In 1925 some alterations were made to the building. In 1946 the State Electricity Commission was established to provide electricity to the State. It purchased the Electricity and Gas Company from the City of Perth in 1948 The building was decommissioned in the 1980s.

24/11/2025

Page 14 of last week's POST Newspapers carried a touching tribute to the late Peter Harper, renowned sketch artist, who died recently aged 91.

His work was much admired and enjoyed by POST readers when published as POST Sketchbook from 1978 to 2004.

The series became part of the heartbreaking story of how Mr Harper came to found what is now the Child Cancer Research Foundation, funded from donations and the sale of his works.

“His legacy is profound and enduring,” the foundation wrote.

This image, from our archives, is a sketch of 7 Kanimbla Road Nedlands.

24/11/2025

We have a handful of left over office chairs which had been donated to us, but are surplus to our needs. These are high quality executive office chairs which retail new for $1,299.

Selling for just $300 per chair.

Brand is Haworth "Zody".

Chairs are fully adjustable and ergonomic, and have black mesh backs. Very sturdy and heavy frames with 5 casters. Available for collection from Sayer Street, Midland Monday to Thursday from 8.30am - 2pm.

Contact [email protected]

20/09/2025

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27/08/2025

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Come along with the family on Sunday the 31st of August between 10am to 1.30 pm and checkout a piece of our Town's heritage ..It was originally built in 1856 as a home for the Pensioner Guards who were brought out from England to look after the convicts, and basically it is the best example still standing in Western Australia.