The Residency, Penang

History

Designed by British engineer Maurice Cameron, The Residency was completed in 1890. The original construction cost of the mansion was $48,000 (Straits dollar), but the final cost rose to $81,173 due to additional furnishings and electrification. Its architecture incorporates elements from contemporary buildings of the time, including a central tetrastyle portico and pediment reminiscent of the Town Hall. The verandah extends to the sides with a connection to the garden, similar to the Madras Garden House in India. The roof is concealed by a balustraded roofline. The first occupant of The Residency was Allan Maclean Skinner, the Resident Councillor of Penang and the highest-ranking British officer in the settlement.

Following the independence of Malaya in 1957, The Residency was renamed Seri Mutiara and retains its function as the official residence of Penang's head of state. Before Malaya gained independence, the mansion was accessible to visitors who were required to sign a guestbook at the entrance booth. However, since independence, access to Seri Mutiara has been restricted and the entrance booth has been replaced by a guardhouse.

References

References

1. Gray, George. (2024). "An Introduction to the History of Southeast Asian Architecture". [[Sunway University]].
2. (2 Sep 1886). "Visit of H. E. the Governor to Penang". [[The Straits Times]].
3. Wong, Chin Hooi. (4 Oct 1993). "Imposing Seri Mutiara, the pride of Penang". [[New Straits Times]].
4. Zhao, Long. (2 December 2018). "The Townscape Evolution of Historic Port Settlement of George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia". [[University of Putra Malaysia]].
5. Khoo, Salma Nasution. (2007). "Streets of George Town, Penang". Areca Books.
6. Opalyn Mok. (3 Oct 2018). "Penang rep moots making governor's residence a tourist attraction". [[Malay Mail]].