Shannon's Brick, Tile and Pottery Company Display Home (former)

Robert Shannon had migrated from Northern Ireland in 1879 and after working extensively in Sydney as a builder and bricklayer, established Shannon’s Brick, Tile and Pottery Pty Ltd at Wentworthville in 1912. Reuben Shannon accompanied his father Robert from Sydney in around 1918 to establish Brisbane’s first terracotta tile works in Ferny Grove. As a result Shannon’s Brick, Tile and Pottery Company (Brisbane) was formed, with the works located on Samford Road on the site of the present Ferny Grove Tavern. The works produced roofing tiles, bricks, drain pipes and other terracotta goods. Later bought out by Wunderlich in 1931, Shannon’s then moved further afield to Murarrie.

Both houses have been nominated but not yet assessed for the Queensland Heritage Register. When nominated, the Heritage Register Advisory Committee considered that the houses may well have been constructed to display the company’s wares and to demonstrate economic building materials. The houses appear to be good examples of buildings which demonstrate the development of the local building industry during the interwar period, and are highly valued by neighbours and local residents for their history and contribution to streetscape and local character.

1. QPODs

2. Brisbane City Council Detail Plan no. 1568, 17 August 1954

3. ABJQ, 1934

4. Memos & letters in connection with 1996 application to remove/demolish 10 Duke Street & subsequent Queensland Heritage Register nomination