Allen Park’s Fascinating Heritage

A heritage precinct has been established in the north-eastern section of the Park and offers a unique opportunity to explore the area's rich history.

The author Joseph Furphy, who wrote under the pseudonym 'Tom Collins', had substantial links with the Allen Park area. His house in Servetus Street was one of the earliest dwellings in the area. Joseph Furphy also helped construct a home at the corner of Clement Street and Pine Close, overlooking Allen Park. He was an avid observer of local natural history and the area now known as Allen Park Is mentioned several times in his correspondence. Today Joseph Furphy's house is located at Allen Park. Saved from demolition at the time of the widening of Servetus Street, the Fellowship of Australian Writers was largely responsible for the relocation.

The Fellowship acquired and restored Mattie Furphy House with the help of a grant from Lotterywest. The house is considered to be one of Perth's finest examples of the Arts and Crafts, or Domestic Arts Movement​

Sarah Martha (Mattie) Furphy (1878-1948), for whom the house was built, was the daughter-in-law of Joseph Furphy. Joseph built Mattie Furphy House in Clement Street, Swanbourne. 

Mattie Furphy came to Perth from Victoria in 1903 with her husband, Sam Furphy, and was a celebrated figure of the 20th Century WA Arts and Craft Movement.

Begun around 1907, with a later addition, the house was built to feature the copper repousse work Mattie made during her studies at the Perth Technical School with James Linton. 

In 2004 the Heritage Council of WA asked FAWWA if it would take responsibility for the large wooden home. In April 2005 the house was relocated to the Allen Park Heritage Precinct next to Tom Collins House.