THE HISTORY
1849 – 1922 WHITESIDES AND SON
James Whitesides arrived in Hobart from Ireland in 1832. He came to the colony withestablished woodworking skills in the company of fellow artisans William Hamilton and John McLoughlin. The three opened business premises in Argyle Street but within ten years Whitesides moved to the building in Liverpool Street and by the mid-1840s he was producing top quality pieces of furniture branded under his name.
The growth of his business, and of his social status, warranted a larger workspace and more suitable showrooms. First, he purchased the Liverpool Street premises. By 1860, he had undertaken a major makeover of the building to establish what was to become the premier furniture making business in the colony.
Whitesides was appointed to provide furniture for the new Tasmanian Parliamentary Houses, receiving commissions in both 1851 and 1856. His work also received a prize at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, and the business was granted a royal appointment by Prince Alfred in 1868. The business was also awarded five medals at the Hobart International Exhibition of 1894–1895.
James Whitesides’ reputation as a first-class cabinet-maker has stood the test of time and today his furniture is highly prized and sought after. Many pieces that were commissioned for use in both private and public buildings remain in use to this day.
The window in the basement was transformed from a functional window into a lightwell, as Whitesides undertook building works to the rear of the building. The soil level had already built up to the level of the window sill so he constructed a wall of brick and stone on top of that to protect the opening. He then backfilled additional soil and debris against the wall as part of the construction works.
Whitesides Building C 1898. Quinary Investments