Perth has long held a quiet reverence for its architectural history, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s appreciation for the Art Deco movement. With its stylised curves, geometric ornamentation and celebration of craftsmanship, Art Deco left a distinct mark on the city’s built environment during the early to mid-20th century. As Perth continues to evolve, it’s important that we retain and protect its historic homes – both for their design significance and for the cultural stories they tell.
We recently listed an historic Art Deco home in Menora and it was designed by one of Western Australia’s most influential architects, William Garnsworthy Bennett.
William Garnsworthy Bennett
Born in Linton, Victoria in 1896, Bennett relocated to Perth in 1910 at the age of 14. His architectural journey began not long after, when he was apprenticed to the firm Wright and Fenwick and began formal studies in architectural drafting at the Perth Technical School. His early ambition soon distinguished him when in 1924, Bennett became the first locally trained architect to pass the Architect Board examination. He was also the first Western Australian architect to become an Associate (overseas) and member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Bennett’s architectural footprint can still be felt across the city. His work includes some of Perth’s most iconic buildings – The Plaza Theatre and Arcade on Hay Street, the opulent Regal Theatre in Subiaco, and the much-loved Raffles Hotel. He also played a key role in the remodelling of the Ocean Beach Hotel in Cottesloe and the Beaucott Building in Mount Lawley, both now treasured landmarks.
Known affectionately (and sometimes fearfully) by his peers as “Bull Bennett,” he was a dynamic and assertive personality who approached his work with gusto. Commercially successful and socially connected, Bennett was a passionate advocate for architectural progress and preservation alike.
One of Bennett’s residential masterpieces, 13 Melrose Crescent in Menora, stands as a testament to his mastery of the Art Deco style. Built in 1939, this home captures the elegance and innovation that defined Bennett’s approach to domestic architecture.
A curved façade with a gently looping driveway houses a residence brimming with the distinctive hallmarks of the era – sweeping curves, elaborate ceiling rosettes, ornate cornices, original pendant lighting and wall sconces. A graceful switchback staircase anchors the home’s interior, rising to the upper level from a grand entry hall flanked by formal lounge and dining rooms.
While modernised for contemporary family living, the house remains faithful to its Art Deco roots, preserving the rich detailing and thoughtful craftsmanship that make it one of Perth’s most significant period homes.
Heritage matters
13 Melrose Crescent is more than just a beautiful home; it’s a part of a larger narrative about Perth’s identity. As the city grows and densifies, homes like this one become increasingly rare. Their preservation is not just about maintaining visual charm but about honouring the architects and artisans who helped shape our urban heritage. Retaining and celebrating these homes enriches the character of our suburbs and offers future generations a tangible connection to the past.
For more information about Art Deco architecture in Perth, head to the Art Deco & Modernist Society of Western Australia.
Source: Taylor Architects