John Curtin College of the Arts, Fremantle

The site of the John Curtin College of the Arts has an interesting history. Originally a cemetery in the mid to late 1800s that was decommissioned in 1899 it wasn't until the 1940s that a permanent school building was constructed. In 1943 the Manual Arts building was constructed for the Fremantle Technical School.

Between 1954 and 1958 other school buildings were added to the site and the school became the John Curtin High School in honour of Australia's war time Prime Minister.

Subsequentially it became the John Curtin College of the Arts.

New buildings have also been added to the site since the 1950s but for me it is the overall asymetrical shape, stacked rectangular masses, flag pole and the vertical fins on the tower of the 1943 Manual Arts building that defines the school.

Reference:
College History, John Curtin College of the Arts website

Christian Science Church, Fremantle

Another deco building occupied by a church.

I don't know if the Christian Science Church in Fremantle have taken over this building or whether they built it and still live there.

It is a shame that their bright white sign blocks most of the glass block window on the curved corner but I suppose even churches need to advertise and this is the view from a major highway. Pity they couldn't find a more sympathetic way to do it.

Their much more modest (in size) sign on the front of the building is much more in keeping with the overall style of the building. Perhaps this does point to the church being the original occupant.

I do like the bookshelf providing shade above this small window. The stepped supports look chunky for the weight they need to bear but they have enough style to carry it off.