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VENUE
Queens Arcade | 34-40 Queen Street | Auckland (Customs Street Entrance)
DATE
23 February - 28 March
HOURS
Wednesdays 12pm - 4pm
Fridays 12pm - 4pm
Saturdays 11am - 3pm
COST
Free entry
OFF THE WALL
Selections from the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga wallpaper Collection 1907-1975
We invite you to journey through the evolution of interior design in Aotearoa New Zealand, told through the fascinating medium of wallpaper.
Alberton | Proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Alberton | Proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
This exhibition of wallpaper reproductions takes you on an exploration of creative expression during one of the most transformative periods in global history. A key feature of many homes, wallpaper provides a snapshot of changing styles, tastes and production techniques across eras.
Not just for design aficionados, children and whānau will enjoy the exhibition with a fun education trail. Bespoke retail products inspired by the exhibition are available to complete the experience.
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House | Proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House | Proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Off the Wall is proudly brought to you by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in in partnership with Macfarlane Design and Queens Arcade.
Explore the preview below.
ERA | EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY
While Art Nouveau dominated early in the century with elaborate patterns and exotic themes, the tougher times of the Great War years are reflected in a subduing of the artistic spirit.
Cheslyn Rise Drawing Room | 1905 | Te Papa
Cheslyn Rise Drawing Room | 1905 | Te Papa
WALLPAPER | "SUBDUED" (1918)
Featuring an ornate decoration of birds in dull blue, yellow, red, green on dark brown branches and blossoms, on an ochre textured ground.
ERA | INTERWAR
The roaring twenties saw a return of whimsical ornamentation, with vibrant floral patterns paired with exotic birds, before giving way to practical patterns in response to the economic challenges of the depression era and interwar years.
Living Room | 1930s | MOTAT
Living Room | 1930s | MOTAT
WALLPAPER | "ART MODERNE" (1935)
An Art Moderne style border, featuring stripes containing geometric triangles in yellow, green, and beige.
ERA | MIDCENTURY
The later designs mirror the desire for clean lines and functionality, influenced by the rise of mid-century modernism. They were quickly followed by the bold psychedelic patterns of the 1960s and 1970s.
Hillcrest Dining Room | 1973 | Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Hillcrest Dining Room | 1973 | Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
WALLPAPER | "MEADOW" (1967-1975)
Made from vinyl, consisting of big, stylised flowers, somewhat resembling poppies, in various shades of yellow and green on a brown ground.
KEEP EXPLORING
MEMBERSHIP
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga membership is the best way to explore and protect this country’s most significant heritage places.
COLLECTIONS
Browse over 1,400 items online, including one of the largest historic wallpaper collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
VISIT
From the Cape to the Bluff, the heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand is waiting to be discovered.
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