Julian Davison, the author of 'Black and White: The Singapore House 1898-1941', noted in his excellent book that there is a scarcity of information on the unique 'black and whites' of Singapore in publications. Another startling point he made was the uniqueness of this form of architecture. It is apparently unique only to Singapore, being an evolution from the colonial bungalows of India.
He has noted that many of the more magnificent specimens of the 'black and whites' were privately built and have been demolished which is a great pity. The gorgeous remainder that we see today were built by the Public Works Department (PWD) for various grades of civil servants.
I have seen a large number of these houses (from the outside) at Mount Pleasant Road, Cluny Road, Nassim Road, Goodwood Park, Chancery Lane, and many many other places. I recall seeing those 'cottages' which used to house New Zealander troops at Nee Soon Camp years ago. I wonder if those 'cottages' are still there.
My grandmother and relatives used to live in a bungalow* that was built before the war but has since been sold and torn down after her passing. Today, there is an apartment there.
I am inspired by the wonderful houses. I am inspired to sketch them. The book would be great photo reference for artists and illustrators.
*It was not strictly a black and white but it incorporated some elements of the black and white. It was a large estate with two houses, badminton court, long windy driveway and huge garden.
9 comments:
I find these colonial bungalows very attractive. It's unique isn't it? To this part of the world?
Little Fish, I think they are fantastic, live-able buildings. There is an old world charm about them. I am surprised too when I learned from the book that it is unique to us. I would have thought that they would be prevalent in other places like Georgetown in Penang and more.
On another note, Times is offering 20% off this book.
They are destroying them? But they are so beautiful!
So sad.
Idahl, the houses are beautiful. They have a spirit in them. The best ones were built for private owners and have mostly since been razed in the last thirty years of Singapore's development. The leftovers are a mixture of the ones which were inhabited by the middle and upper rank civil servants of the colonial administration. They are beautiful but well, they are not the best representative of their types I guess. Those are gone forever.
These leftovers, originally for the middle-rank colonial civil servants are now preserved by the government and rented to expatriates who come to work in Singapore. It's protected but many have been modified to fit air-conditioners. Yes, their facades have often been changed. Oh well.
Are there formal laws protecting them? I doubt it but they are preserved for now. I really hope someone wakes up and sees the value of these houses.
I would have thought a number of them are still around in the Nassim Hill, Cluny Road and Seletar Airport area?
I'm quite sure there are people equally passionate about them in the government. Just hope enough is being done to preserve them.
Oh Little Fish, you are right. There are definitely many at Seletar Airport, Cluny Road, Cluny Hill, Gallop Road, Alexandra Road, Nassim Road, Stevens Road/Whitehouse Road area and more.
I don't doubt if you are right. There are surely some initiates aimed at some individual buildings. And there are steps taken to renting these structures out and giving them purpose.
Hi!
Came across your blog when Googling 'Julian Davison bungalows'.
Just wanted to inform you that Davison will be giving a talk on Black & White Bungalows on 27 May, 2.30pm at the Singapore City Gallery.
This is part of International Museum Day activities. More information can be found at http://www.museums.com.sg/event_highlights.asp.
Seems like something you'd be interested in.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for the information. I didn't know that.
I appreciate it.
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