Can you help solve the mystery? These plans came to light at Whangārei Museum recently and collection staff are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the building in the CBD (2011/8/287/10/2021).
Can you help solve the mystery? These plans came to light at Whangārei Museum recently and collection staff are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the building in the CBD (2011/8/287/10/2021).
OUR TREASURES
During the past few months, our collections team has been steadily processing through Kiwi North's archival map and plan collection. Throughout this project they have uncovered many interesting and subjectively interesting items relating to the history of Northland and New Zealand that have missed our notice before, owing to thevast quantity of items in the Collection. One such plan is a beautiful architectural drawing of a shop to be built on Whangārei's Cameron St.
The plan is made attractive by pastel green and pink highlighting architectural details on the shop frontage, which contrast to functional details showcased in bright red.
While the original linen material is quite creased and foxed, the drawing itself, estimated to be around 100 years old, is in great condition. Titled Plan of Brick Premises At Whangārei For R. Thompson, Esqre. Scale 1/8" = 1'-0".
There is sadly no date provided. This plan was donated amongst 200 items to Whangārei Museum by M. Petherik from a family member of Frank Holman who collected many historical artefacts and archives as a resident of Whangarei. Other plans and maps in the collection date between 1867 and 1912.
The architectural drawings for the front of the Cameron Street shop, the location of which, if it still stands, is unknown.
The front and side elevations, foundation and roof plans and two cross-sections are depicted. The single-story building was divided into two with large shop areas at the front and storerooms in the rear.
A detailed awning over the entrance, above large glass windows, ornamental doors and decorative mouldings and ironwork above show this building was designed to have an attractive shop frontage.
The foundation and floor plans show the use of a grid of air vents to manage moisture levels below, as well as the positioning of gas meters for lighting and two chimney posts at the back for heating.
This plan was donated amongst 200 items to Whangārei Museum by M. Petherik. There is sadly no date provided.
Upon looking at historic photographs of Cameron St I could not find a match for this building design. Similar buildings feature after the 1900 fire which wiped out several blocks of Cameron St.
Mr R. Thompson held various offices in Whangārei around this time - he was a member of Parliament, president of the Whangārei Racing Club. He owned several plots of land around the town, including on Walton and Bank Sts so it is likely he owned a plot on Cameron St for which this plan was made.
If you identify this building from any photographs you have at home please let us know. In the meantime, this original hand drawing serves as a reminder of Whangarei's architectural and business history, much of which we have lost through fire, age and development.
• Georgia Kerby is exhibitions curator, Whangārei Museum at Kiwi North.
The front and side elevations, foundation and roof plans and two cross-sections are depicted.
