The Cloisters

The Cloisters

A historian once described the Cloisters as "the most skilfully restrained example of decorative brickwork to be found in this State, or indeed, the whole of Australia". Just as well, because we found the history of this building to be "the most tediously boring in this State, if not the whole of Australia". Saved by the fancy brickwork if you ask us.

The Cloisters.

The Cloisters is a Gothic style building with Tudor influences. The brickwork is a fine example of Flemish Bond patterned bricks, which were popular on Perth colonial buildings between 1858 and 1890. Mellow colours from cream through to purple create a pleasant decorative effect. The building was designed by Mr Richard Jewell, and has it's name derived from it's cloistered verandahs.

Fancy brickwork and cloistered verandahs.

The Cloisters was built in 1858 for the first Anglican Bishop of Perth, Matthew Hale. He opened the building as the Bishop's Collegiate School, for wealthy boys. Unfortunately the colony only had 23 wealthy boys, though several of them including Alexander and John Forrest, later became leading citizens. With a declining supply of wealthy boys, the school was passed to the Church of England in 1865. Even they could not muster enough wealthy boys, and were forced to close the school in 1872.

Black and white photography did not do justice to the textured brickwork.

Not to give up, the school reopened for wealthy girls. This was until the late 1890's, when the growth of Government Schools reduced the number of private students. The building was then rented out as private apartments, to make a quick dollar for the owners. Between 1904 and 1918 it became a Theological College for the clergy. When the University of Western Australia was established, the Cloisters became a hostel for students. From 1958 to the mid 1960's, it became a guest house.

Flemish Bond brickwork on the Cloisters.

Flemish Bond Brickwork

A popular choice in Perth between 1858 and 1890. The range of colours is a result of firing the bricks in wood kilns at different temperatures.

During the late 1960's the owners made plans to demolish the Cloisters, and redevelop the site. Fortunately the Cloisters was saved by a business deal. The developers had to restore the Cloisters to it's original splendour, in exchange for being allowed to construct a bigger building behind it. They selected brown coloured bricks, to keep in the same style as the Cloisters. Today the Cloisters is used for professional offices, and a cafe.

LOCATION: 200 St Georges Terrace, Perth. The old building with interesting Flemish Bond brickwork, but a rather boring history.