Art Deco in Napier, New Zealand Jane Townsend August 2018
Jane Townsend wrote to us a while ago about her husband's family, Henry Townsend, who was born in Box and emigrated to New Zealand a hundred and fifty years ago. She has remained a loyal reader and sent us this update.
I was fascinated to read the article in your current issue about the Art Deco house in Box, Little Orchard. I live in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and nearby is the city of Napier which is famous for its Art Deco architectural style. I have been an Art Deco volunteer guide for 14 years.
Our Art Deco style came about as the result of a huge earthquake in 1931 when our region’s two cities, Napier and Hastings, were largely destroyed. It was a very brave move on the part of the two government-appointed Commissioners and four local architects to make the decision to rebuild in this style, as well as the Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles. It was the middle of the Great Depression & therefore very little building was happening in New Zealand. We have over 30,000 people on our guided walks every year, over 60 cruise ships visit in the summer season and we have a very successful Art Deco Festival every year in February. The festival has over 200 events and attracts 30,000-40,000 people - New Zealanders and overseas visitors. So Art Deco has put us on the map!
I can imagine how the Little Orchard house would have provoked controversy when it was built in the 1930s - a very brave move by its architect & owners.
I was fascinated to read the article in your current issue about the Art Deco house in Box, Little Orchard. I live in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and nearby is the city of Napier which is famous for its Art Deco architectural style. I have been an Art Deco volunteer guide for 14 years.
Our Art Deco style came about as the result of a huge earthquake in 1931 when our region’s two cities, Napier and Hastings, were largely destroyed. It was a very brave move on the part of the two government-appointed Commissioners and four local architects to make the decision to rebuild in this style, as well as the Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles. It was the middle of the Great Depression & therefore very little building was happening in New Zealand. We have over 30,000 people on our guided walks every year, over 60 cruise ships visit in the summer season and we have a very successful Art Deco Festival every year in February. The festival has over 200 events and attracts 30,000-40,000 people - New Zealanders and overseas visitors. So Art Deco has put us on the map!
I can imagine how the Little Orchard house would have provoked controversy when it was built in the 1930s - a very brave move by its architect & owners.