Walter Sully Emporium

Item details


Name of item:	Walter Sully Emporium
Other name/s:	Walter Sully & Co. Pty Ltd.; Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Commercial
Category:	Commercial Office/Building
Location:	Lat: -31.9562403964 Long: 141.4681745730
Primary address:	404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880
Parish:	Picton
County:	Yancowinna
Local govt. area:	Broken Hill
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Broken Hill

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART PORTION	1799	DP	757298
PORTION	1818	DP	757298
PART PORTION	3145	DP	757298
PORTION	81	DP	757298
		DP	918729

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
404-408 Argent Street	Broken Hill	Broken Hill	Picton	Yancowinna	Primary Address
Oxide Street	Broken Hill	Broken Hill	Picton	Yancowinna	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Broken Hill City Council	Local Government	19 Mar 99

Statement of significance:


	The emporium was the longest surviving commercial business in Broken Hill until its closure and was instrumental in the development and exploration of the mineral field. It forms part of an important Argent Street streetscape. (Vines 1987: 4)
	Date significance updated: 22 Oct 08
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1885-1900
Physical description:	The Walter Sully Emporium is situated on the nort west side of Argent Street adjoining The Silver City Working Men's Club. The ground is flat and without any substantial vegetation. The ground is partially covered by bitumen. The building is a two storey stone structure with a cellar covering the rear sections of the building. The first stage (1885) comprises of the double fronted shop with staircase to the overhead gallery and to the cellar. The second stage (c.1900) comprises of two shops with a cellar underneath. The walls were originally exposed stone with red brick quoining and parapet detailing. Later, probably during the building of the c.1900 extension, the facade was unified with render detailing and a veranda erected to unify the front elevation. The shopfronts are timber, the original design copied in the extension. Between 1939 and 1957 all the facade detailing was removed and has been replaced with cement render. Pilasters (built c.1900) divide the shopfronts with quasi-corinthian capitals and a new verandah nas been added. The verandah has a timber framed roof of shallow convex shape, steel posts of two sizes and a concealed gutter behind the fascia hoarding. The building roof is galvanised iron. The roof to the original building is a shallow barrel shape with small steel bow truss supports. The roof to the later section comprises two gables concealed behind the shop parapet with a central box gutter and ending in two hips with roof ventilators at the north end. Corrugated iron outbuildings, a brick explosive store, underground tank and underground well are also located on the site (Vines 1987: 9 &12).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical Condition - Poor
Modifications and dates:	1885 - shop, staircase and gallery built c.1900 - Extension - two shops -Pilasters erected -Verandah built? -Explosive store and well built on site 1939-1957 - Exterior cement rendered - New verandah (Vines 1987:9 & 12) pre-2005: Adaptive reuse and conversion to use as a Regional Art Gallery, including installing interpretation on the Emporium's history. The open section of the 1889 part of the building retained original, damaged balustrading, which was neither safe nor of regulation safety height. Careful joinery work reused original components to meet the correct safety height. The two sections of building were not internally linked at the first floor level, which was resolved when a lift was installed at the rear of the complex. Air conditioning was installed, a major design challenge and expense, because of visibility issues and the location of ducts. The ground floor now incorporates an entry and exit and shop within the former office area.Sections of orgiinal shop joinery were retained and conserved. The original curving roof on the first floor was lined, while still exposing the significant 1889 light metal truss. This provided insulation for the climate control required for art works. Former offices on the first floor of the 1894 section were amalgamated to provide additional gallery space. The lath and plaster walls, in poor condition, were removed. The original staircase frieze was retained and a new timber, compliant staircase installed. Corrugated iron - a widely used material in Broken Hill - was used for the new rear toilet and lift extension, clearly distinguishing it from the early masonry section of the building (Heritage Office, 2005, 34).


Current use:	Regional Art Gallery
Former use:	Aboriginal land, shopping emporium

History

Historical notes:

Walter Sully established his first store in Silverton in 1882. In 1885 he moved to Broken Hill and erected a two storey stone building with an arched, galvanised iron roof. This was used as the first post office in Broken Hill, commencing operation on 1 November 1886. An adjoining building was erected some years later in two separate parts - an office and a grocery store. This may have been around 1900. The office was reputedlay in the centre building.

In 1888, Argent Street in Broken Hill caught fire on a hot blustery summer day. The resulting blaze in the then relatively young mining town was almost unstoppable, destroying the entire western side of the commercial centre. This was the first of many such outbreaks in the town (Eklund, 2013).

On 29 November 1907 Walter Sullys was formed as a limited company with Walter Sully as chairman, H.B. Sweetapple as Managing Director and five other directors. In 1924 Sully died in England and Sweetapple became Managing Director. Sweetapple's held this position until 1971 when Mr K Hammond became Managing Director.

Sullys provided all the heavy machinery and equipment for the development and exploration of Broken Hill's mineral field: explosives, candles, timber, metal machinery, general hardware, paints, tractors and liquor. The firm had its own livery stables and blacksmith at the rear of the buildings (Vines 1987: 5).

Over the years, Broken Hill has attracted artists from across the country, drawn to the inspiring environment, the remote (and cheap) studio spaces, and a friendly community. Broken Hill is said to have more galleries than pubs these days! (Turtle, 2020).

Sullys Emporium was adaptively reused as Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. This gallery is the oldest in regional New South Wales and has a reputation as one of the best, highlighting the work of local and regional artists (Turtle, 2020). It includes contemporary art and the local Council collection, which dates from Council's inception, in 1886 (Heritaeg Office, 2008, 34).

The adaptive reuse occurred at a time when the emporium was in a near ruinous condition. Works were carried out in three stages as funding became available. The conversion won the Australian Property Institute Savills Heritage Award and the Corporate/Government category of the Energy Australia National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Conservation Award in the built heritage category for projects over $500,000 in 2005. Interpretation was added to tell the history of the building and the story of the development of Sully's Emporium as an important mining enterprise. Local artists, the Council and tourists share the use of the building. It has become a unique visitor experience, enhancing Broken Hill's appeal as a tourist destination (Heritage Office, 2008, 34).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Retailing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Shopkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Tourism-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Mining-Activities associated with the identification, extraction, processing and distribution of mineral ores, precious stones and other such inorganic substances.	Miners' accommodation and living conditions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going shopping downtown-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	It is the earliest surviving commercial business in Broken Hill until its closure in 1985 and was associated with two well known Broken Hill families, the Sullys (1885-1924) and the Sweetaples (1924-1985). The business provided all the heavy machinery and equipment for the development and exploration of Broken Hill's mineral field. (Vines 1987: 4)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The emporium is a strong element in the Argent Street streetscape. Erected in two stages, the two storey buildings are notable, despite defacement of the facade by removal of original facade mouldings and the single storey verandah. It forms an integral part of the streetscape. (vines 1987: 4)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The interior survives in original condition, retaining early office furniture and timber store shelving. The upper residence floors retain early finishes which, although in poor condition, provide a catalogue of decorative finishes utilised in Broken Hill from c.1900 - c.1940. (Vines 1987:4)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	Sympathetic development of the site adhering to the consevation and heritage plan is a appropriate

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	maintenance of buildings, grounds Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1): (a) The maintenance of any item on the site meaning the continuous protective care of existing materials; (b) Routine garden maintenance including cultivation, pruning and weed control; the repair and maintenance of existing fences, gates and garden walls: new minor planting; tree surgery, but not extensive lopping.	Oct 2 1987
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	standard examptions + demolition of outside items to Manager's approval. Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1): (1) Minor repairs where minor repair means the repair of existing materials and includes replacements of minor components such as individual bricks where these have been damaged beyond reasonable repair or are missing. The replacement should be of the same material, colour, texture, form and design as the original they replace. This excludes the application of external paintwork; (2) Routine garden maintenance including cultivation, pruning, weed control; the repair and maintenance of existing fences, gates and garden walls; new minor planting; tree surgery but not extensive lopping; (3) Conservation and restoration works in accordance with a conservation plan approved by the Heritage Council of New South Wales. (4) The demolition of outbuildings, sheds, fences and gates on the site, subject to a measured and photographic survey being carried out and submitted for the approval of the Manager, Heritage Branch, prior to any work commencing on the site.	Nov 15 1991
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	00690	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former	00690	15 Nov 91	159	9672
Local Environmental Plan		28 Feb 97
Register of the National Estate		28 Sep 82

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery		Broken Hill Regional Art gallery (website)	View detail
Written	Eklund, Prof. Erik	2013	When our cultural heritage goes up in smoke	View detail
Written	Elizabeth Vines, McDougall & Vines Architectural & Heritage Consultants.	1987	Sully's Building. 404-08 Argent Street Broken Hill. A Heritage Study and Conservation Plan
Written	NSW Heritage Office	2005	Case Study G: Commercial Building to Regional Art Gallery: Sully's Emporium, Broken Hill	View detail
Written	Spearitt, Peter	2018	'Where History Happened'
Written	Turtle, Michael	2020	Broken Hill's finest galleries, eateries and most importantly, breath-taking outback landscapes	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045074
File number:	S90/03335/003

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