Opening of Fremantle Prison cells reconstructed to show changing conditions

12/8/97

Visitors to the historic Fremantle Prison will now get a chance to see how inmates would have lived over its 136-year history.

Works Minister Mike Board today 'opened' seven cells, which have been reconstructed to depict prison living conditions since the 1850s.

The seven periods cover living conditions in the 1850s, 1860s, 1918, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and 1991.

Mr Board said the project showed how changing technology and attitudes outside prison walls were reflected in the living conditions for inmates inside the prison.

"The Fremantle Prison is integral to Western Australia's development and the cell reconstruction project is an innovative way of exploring our heritage," Mr Board said.

"It also adds to the site's tourism potential."

The cells have been fitted out as closely to the period of prison life they represent, using some reconstructed material and items from the prison's archives.

The most significant change to the cells was the increase of their size from the original 4'x7' (1.2m x 2.1m), following a commission of inquiry in the 1890s. Walls between two cells were removed to create a cell twice the size.

Water was supplied to each cell when the prison was built in the 1850s but basins were removed during the 1860s because of foul smells that rose through the pipes and poor quality fittings that caused water leaks and attracted insects.

Electricity was introduced to the prison around 1905. The only electrical devices installed were lights and these initially could only be used between April and November because of prison policy.

Another innovation for the prison was an experiment in the 1970s with portable toilets. A chemical version of the metal buckets used in the 1800s was trialed but quickly rejected because of the smell and the need to empty them daily.

Mr Board said a team of heritage professionals, including an historian, heritage architects and an archaeologist worked to piece the information required for the builder to create the cells.

"The project is typical of how Government can work with private enterprise to achieve a terrific outcome," he said.

The $80,000 project was funded by the State Government and project led by the Department of Contract and Management Services.

Considine and Griffiths P/L (Phillip Griffiths and Alan Kelsall) were the architects and project managers; WJ Isherwood (Martin and Nathan Coghlan) were the builders; Gaye Nayton was the archaeologist and Michal Bosworth was the historian.

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211