94 BRISBANE STREET - PERRINS DRAPERY part two

PERRINS DRAPERY, 94 BRISBANE STREET

Hold on to your hats (and trims).......this is part two of the Examiner's article (early advertorial?) for Perrins drapery , built in the late 19^th century by J & T Gunn which once had pride of place just over the St John Street intersection, in Brisbane Street.

The reporter from The Examiner, recounting the treasures that could be found in the shop in September 1898, was enthusiastic. They wrote:

“The show-room has a very special display of French and English millinery, that is at once tasteful and stylish, generally speaking, although of course rather daring combinations of tones appear occasionally. The "Mushroom" hat. is evidently a leading shape, and should, on its own merits,

become very popular, there being certain amount of simplicity accompanying the newness that should prove a recommendation. These have a drooping brim, and rather wide, flat crown, usually chiffon or gauze is used to drape round the crown and over the brim, some flowers being placed under the brim, near the back,and a rather high- mount of waving quill feathers, with ribbon at the back. Satin straw has all the favour—no doubt this is owing to its extreme lightness and softness. A very stylish "Mushroom" hat of deep yellow satin straw, I admired immensely; it was trimmed in front with gauze ribbon of its own tint, and black lace and sequin wings, while under the brim, at

the back, was a spray of deep yellow crushed, roses and. bright autumn leaves.”

After breathlessly describing the Arline hat, a French bonnet and any number of trims, The Examiner's writer describes (in a similar amount of detail) the children's section, and selections available in blouses, underclothing (available in a clearly impressive choice of 3 sizes), skirts and corsets . Evidently “tweeds suited for cycling costumes”..were “well represented”. (Maybe not as comfy as lycra but surely more classy). “The fancy department” provided “all the latest fripperies,”

and there were gloves to suit everyone and “evening gloves of all classes.”

An undated photograph taken when Perrins were still operating can be viewed on the LINC website.

Perrins were still trading in the 1950s.

92-94 BRISBANE STREET - PERRINS DRAPERY

PERRINS BUILDING, 94 BRISBANE STREET

I was a little bit confused at first when I tried to find out a little more about this building, which again illustrates the advice I'd give to all tourists (and locals!) in Launceston – look up! It is located in Brisbane street and is now home to Lovisa and Gloria Jeans. The uncertainty arose because the building indicates Perrins was established in 1870, and newspaper advertising confirms that Pepper and Perrins were operating in Brisbane Street in this era. QVMAG's ever reliable article on Launceston's industrial heritage, however, dated the building to 1898. Just to confuse things a little more, the drapery of J.Pepper which was associated with Perrins dates back to 1850.

The answer was a destructive fire that occurred in the premises of this large “drapery” store in May 1898. Although some areas of the building were left intact, and fire brigade were quick to act, the damage was extensive, and by September the business had re opened in a new building. The following description from The Examiner 24^th September 1898 makes me somewhat envious of nineteenth century shoppers. Not everything improves with time. I wouldn't normally include an article of this length, but as everything in it seemed worth imagining, I think its worth posting over a couple of weeks.

“At the new buildings,Messrs. Pepper and Perrin are now making a splendid spring show throughout their drapery establishment, Central Brisbane-street. The large and attractive premises that have recently been completed for this firm have given them very great advantages in displaying the new importations.

The three large show windows in front afford admirable means of showing dainty goods; and passing through either of the glass entrance doors brings one into a spacious shop that has a full complement of wide, polished counters, with foot rest, and are furnished with comfortable chairs.

A wide staircase of Tasmanian blackwood and pine leads up to the showroom, which is quite the largest in the city; and is fitted luxuriously with carpet, and mirror panels set into the wall, and, full length swing mirrors on the floor. Polished counters of blackwood and pine, and glass showcases round the walls, add to the general appearance.

In the centre of the room a large glass case, set in a frame, with massive base, attracts attention at once, being filled with various kinds of millinery accessories of the brightest and most bewitching varieties.

Costumes, blouses, and millinery are displayed upon stands in various parts of the unusually large room. A fitting room,where customers may fit jackets,costumes, blouses, etc., is a happy thought, and will be the means of abolishing so much approval business - here the fitting can be attended to,

and alterations, if needed, arranged at once.

Welsbach gas lamps, with rose-tinted glass, is used for lighting the showroom, the other parts of the building having electric lamps. Special attention has been given to ventilation, and a splendid lavatory is provided, and altogether Messrs.Pepper and Perrin are to be complimented upon their really fine house of business, in regard to both the building itself and the very complete stock of choice and novel goods that crowd each department. Throughout the building the arrangements for admitting light are excellent, so that customers have every opportunity of well inspecting before they purchase that which they may require.”

Sadly modern fit-outs have removed all trace of the Perrins of old.

NEXT WEEK: What might you have purchased in this fine establishment?