Singapore Calligraphy Centre, also known as 48 Waterloo Street, is a bungalow on Waterloo Street in downtown Singapore which currently houses the Chinese Calligraphy Society Of Singapore.
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Description
editThe building is architecturally symmetrical. It features high ceilings and tall windows. It is surrounded by a ornate brick and plaster wall with a wrought iron gate.[1]
History
editIn 1899, 20 Russian Jews were reported to have been arrested at the bungalow on gambling-related charges. However, the charges was dismissed, with the defence's lawyer arguing that the arrested had only been playing cards without gambling. In 1908, 19 Chinese men were fined $3 each for gambling at the building, while its owner was fined $75.[1]
Beginning in 1994, the building underwent a $1.31 million renovation under the National Arts Council Arts Housing Scheme.[1][2] The renovation took 15 months. In November 1995, the building reopened as the first home of the Chinese Calligraphy Society Of Singapore, with a conference room, and audio-visual room, an exhibition hall which was available for rental and five classrooms.[3] It was officially opened by then-Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng on 27 May 1996.[4] The building is one of several on Waterloo Street to have been renovated under the scheme, along with the Stamford Arts Centre, 42 Waterloo Street, 54-58 Waterloo Street, which currently houses The Theatre Practice, and 60 Waterloo Street, which currently houses Dance Ensemble Singapore.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Singapore Calligraphy Centre". Roots. National Heritage Board. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Home is where the art is". The Straits Times. Singapore. 29 November 1996. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Leong, Weng Kam (11 October 1995). "New home for Chinese calligraphy". The Straits Times. Singapore. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Leong, Weng Kam (27 May 1996). "After $1.1 m, bungalow is ready for bold new strokes". The Straits Times.
- ^ "Alive and kicking in Waterloo St". The Straits Times. 6 June 1998.