Description Mellors Drapery and Haberdashery

footpath view showing claim flying fox , 2008

prominently located on main street in gayndah, mellors drapery single storeyed rectangular structure of concrete , timber corrugated iron roof.

the street facade, faces approximately north northeast, symmetrically arranged. consists of skillion roofed footpath awning supported 5 timber posts, glazed shopfront below awning , decorative parapet wall above. flat ceiling lines underside of awning.

the decorative parapet, shaped conceal roof behind, consists of 2 peripheral bays , central bay. junctions between each of these bays marked implied pilaster protrudes above remainder of parapet. lower peripheral bays slope raised central bay; rectangular panel carries name of store. mouldings used emphasise composition.

with exception of shopfront external walls of building massive reinforced concrete, cast in situ. timber framed roof terminates gable behind parapet wall hipped @ southerly end. hipped roofed lantern located on ridge of roof.

the shop front consists of 3 large display windows separated 2 recessed entries. strip of obscure fixed glass above display windows lets light interior of store. each entry fitted set of double timber doors , opens directly onto interior of shop.

the interior, single large space, divided along central axis row of large timber posts supporting timber beam run front rear of store. male oriented departments located east , female west of axis. high level windows run along upper part of side wall faces east southeast; opposite wall has no window openings. connecting service areas on easterly , westerly sides of store elevated cash desk suspended wire system. cash desk located on central axis near rear of store. ornate metal , timber cash carrier known flying fox transports change between service areas , cash desk via system of taut wires.

the entire space has flat panelled fibrous cement ceiling timber cover strips. panels feature lattice vents , pressed metal ceiling roses. large skylight positioned on axis between 2 posts illuminates centre of space. sides of skylight, lined ceiling, slope inwards towards top , terminate in windows of roof lantern. timber framed pine floor covered in carpet squares. store retains many original timber shop fittings, including shelving units, timber counters , display cabinets. skillion roofed extension, timber framed , clad in fibrous cement, has been built onto of store near south west corner.

a set of timber double doors, centrally located in rear wall behind cash desk, open onto external flight of concrete steps leading yard. structures in area include timber , fibro shed shallow pitched skillion roof , small brick toilet block. access yard via easement leading pineapple street.