York Town Hall

About

York Town Hall is a heritage listed town hall in York, Western Australia, located in Avon Terrace. At the time of its construction, it was claimed to be the largest public hall in Western Australia, with an interior floor space measuring 100 by 50 feet (30 m × 15 m). Constructed in 1911, it is an example of Edwardian opulence.

Architecturally, while it may be considered to be in Federation Free Classical style, with its "spectacular potpouri of architectural styles" and its "soaring columns topped with a decorative pediment and above the main entrance, a high semi-circular window in Romanesque manner", its features are so exaggerated that it is more in Victorian Mannerist style. It was designed by Wright, Powell and Cameron (the firm headed by James William Wright). The lobby has a sweeping staircase constructed by local craftsmen from jarrah timber salvaged from the Mechanics Institute building, which had been demolished to make way for the Town Hall.

During construction, the last of six large steel pillars in the main section of the hall still had to be secured firmly, but lunchtime came, and the workmen took lunch. During lunch, a willy-willy brought down the unsecured principal...