Historical information
Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent.
Significance
These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.
The photograph is also aesthetically significant as it was taken by J. E. Barnes, a nationally significant photographer. He was the most important photographer to have worked in Kew. He was active as a photographer in the district from c.1906 until his death in 1921. Best known as 'the Embarkation Photographer' (see the Australian War Memorial collection), Josiah Earl Barnes was also the official photographer employed by the Borough (and later Town, then City) of Kew. He clearly also completed commercial jobs for local businesses, as is the case in this photograph of a house for a local real estate and financial agent.
Physical description
A modest weatherboard house with rough-cast rendered walls. The gabled entrance incorporates elements of the Japanese aesthetic. The strong lines of the dark timber gable are reinforced by the colour and shape of the pickets in the fence. In contrast to an earlier period, the chimneys appear truncated. The use of extensive double-hung sash windows in the front rooms reflects a new interest in light in houses. The use of separate sunshades over windows in an earlier period is here replaced by an extension of the roofline over the window. The photographer Josiah Barnes died in 1921; so, the photograph of the house must predate this date. The location of the house, which was advertised for sale, has to date not been identified.
Inscriptions & markings
Illegible inscription. Photographer's information on mount.
