WILLY'S STORE (A & J SULLIVANS)

The timber shop and residence at 35 Matlock Street, Canterbury, is significant. It was built in 1912 for George Jackson, who ran a confectioner's shop there. It continued to serve as the local neighbourhood store run by the Williamsons between the 1930s and the 1970s, and was known as 'Willy's Store'. It became a central location of 'The Sullivans' television series during the 1970s and 1980s, named A & J Sullivan's store.

It is a gabled weatherboard building with corbelled chimneys, with the roof set behind an elaborate front parapet. The shopfront sits beneath a timber skillion verandah and has an inset entry set between timber-framed shop windows.

Recent alterations and additions, including the upper-level extension, rear pavilion, Art Nouveau leadlight windows, and timber verandah frieze are not significant.

How is it significant?

The shop is of local aesthetic significance and rarity value to the City of Boroondara and of social significance to the metropolitan area and possibly further afield.

Why is it significant?

The shop is one of a small number of Victorian and Edwardian shops that survive in the City of Boroondara. Timber shops were the first to be built in new suburbs and shopping areas in the 19th century, but were gradually replaced by brick buildings, leaving few of this type in the metropolitan area. (Criterion B)

The shop is architecturally distinguished by the unusual and elaborate treatment of the main facade for a timber shop, particularly the grand scrolled stuccoed parapet wall, after the Queen Anne manner, supporting a cornice moulding and revealing the gable-end of the roof behind, as a crowning half-timbered pediment. The Chinese style mullions in the top-lights above and to the left of the shop entrance are also notable. (Criterion E)

The local community and the wider tourist community with connections to 'The Sullivans' television series socially value the 'A & J Sullivan' store. This series developed a strong following both in Australia and abroad during the 1970s and the 1980s through its depiction of Australian suburban family life during World War II. These communities have continued their connection to the property since this time, evidenced through regular community visits and expressions of connection in the public sphere. (Criterion G)

Group

Commercial

Category

Shop