Tag: Alberton House

“Journeys Framed”(Alberton House) Waitangi Day Event 2020 (HNZPT Media Release)

Image: Nina Gastreich (Source HNZPT Media Release)

For Waitangi Day all staffed historic sites run by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will be open with free entry.

In the atmospheric setting of Alberton's Victorian ballroom, catch a performance of Journeys Framed,  a unique, short theatre piece of movement and sound, exploring the experience of Pakeha migration to Aotearoa, creatively brought to life by distinguished performers from SeniorsDANCE company. Three performance times - why not enjoy a spot of tea and a savoury or sweet treat on the verandah in the pop-up tea room before or afterwards (self service), or bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity of the garden.

Event Details

When?

  • Thursday 6 February
  • Performance times are 12.00pm; 1.00pm and 2.00pm

How Much?

Free entry. Please understand that light refreshments in the pop-up tea room are self-service due to the public holiday.

Make a Booking

No bookings required just turn up to see this moving and thoughtfully produced mini production choreographed by Susan Jordan.

HNZPT’s Highwic and Alberton Have Free Admission For Waitangi Day. (2020)

Highwic

10am - 4pm, free admission

Anyone for lawn croquet?   A lovely place to spend Waitangi Day. Enjoy our beautiful gardens, bring your own picnic.

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flag.Devonshire Tea available for $8.00 per person. 

Alberton

10am - 4pm, free admission

Relax in the sun on the gracious lawns or verandahs. Bring a picnic to enjoy under the trees. Anyone for lawn croquet, quoits or stilt-walking? 

Flags flying!  Display: The Story of our Flags.

“Heritage New Zealand properties ( Highwic & Alberton) open free on Waitangi Day” HNZPT Media Release (30:01:19)

Properties in Auckland cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will once again open their doors to the public free of charge on Waitangi Day.

The historic places include Highwic in Newmarket and Alberton in Mt Albert. 

The country’s lead heritage organisation cares for these properties on behalf of all New Zealanders, and the free entry is its way to help commemorate and reflect on our national day.  This year’s main theme will be ‘the building of a nation’.

“This theme relates to our built heritage as representative of what preceded the 1840 signing and what dated it,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive Andrew Coleman.

“They are physical reminders, or touchstones, of Māori and Pākehāinteraction; of who we are, where we have come from and where we will collectively go as New Zealanders.

“Our properties tell a small part of a wider story of the nation.  They are open free of charge to enjoy, learn from and appreciate a snapshot of our history. 

“The objective of the open day is to promote the significance of Heritage New Zealand places that contribute to the story of early Māori and Pākehāinteraction and the progression to the multicultural society we are today in a family, fun and inclusive way,” says Andrew.

The open day is part of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s commitment to honouring the vision for Māori heritage as contained in the Māori Heritage Council’s document Tapuwae.

“Tapuwae means ‘sacred footprint’.  The purpose of the document, and the properties opening, is to further express the idea that we can look back to see where we have been as we move forward, taking more steps,” says Andrew.

“It’s a day of commemoration and reflection.  We hope all New Zealanders take the opportunity to visit one or more of these special places.”

For more information please visit www.heritage.org.nz

“Heritage New Zealand Picture Postcard competition” (HNZ Media Release)

December 19

MEDIA RELEASE

Heritage New Zealand Picture Postcard competition 

Visitors to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s properties in Aucklandcould be in to win some special prizes in a photo competition running over the holiday break. 

From Boxing Day, Heritage New Zealand will run a ‘Picture Postcards’ series of Facebook posts celebrating some of the cool properties Heritage New Zealand cares for on behalf of all Kiwis – including Highwic and Alberton in Auckland.

Punters can drop a photo into any of the ‘Picture Postcards’ posts of them and their family and friends at one of Heritage New Zealand’s properties and go in the draw to win a copy of Landmarks – notable historic buildings of New Zealandby David McGill and Grant Sheehan.  

A copy of the book will be up for grabs with each post, and people are encouraged to get their friends to vote for their photo. At the end of the series the best overall photo will win a special prize.Photos can be of any of Heritage New Zealand’s properties, not just from the daily post.  For more information on properties please visit http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit

“Ticking along in style at Alberton” Exhibition On Until 18 April 2018 (HNZ Heritage This Month March 2018)

Ticking along in style at Alberton

Terry Sutcliffe (Image Sourced Heritage This Month March 2018)

Currently on display at Auckland’s Alberton as part of the ‘Collector’s Cabinet’ series, is a fascinating selection of clocks, watches, timepieces, watchmakers tools and other collectibles belonging to horologist and historian Terry Sutcliffe (pictured).

Part of a collection of over 100 items, usually on display in his living room and in a purpose-built private museum on his property, the selection dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, includes pocket watches with New Zealand inscribed dials, military and railway watches, stands, cases, keys and intricate tools.  A marine chronometer salvaged from one of Auckland’s best-known shipwrecks, the SS Wiltshire – the steamship that hit rocks on Great Barrier Island in May 1922 – also features.

“You never have a full collection – there’s always more to find,” says Terry.  Currently researching early watch making and retailing in New Zealand, Terry is keen to hear from members of the public with any connections to this industry and is seeking timepieces, branded watch keys, boxes, old shop signage, business cards, photographs and papers to trace this history.

To learn more about the collection come to a talk on Sunday 4 March at 1.30pm. This will be an informal chat followed by a Q&A and tea.  Bring along your own timepiece for appraisal and share its story.

Free with entry (adults $10, children and Heritage New Zealand members free).  No booking required.

Terry’s clocks will be on display until 18 April 2018.

“Celebrate Suffrage 125 at Alberton” Heritage New Zealand Media Release

Suffragist Sophia Louisa Taylor of Alberton, the historic mansion in Mt Albert cared for by Heritage New Zealand. (HNZ Media Release)

September 7

MEDIA RELEASE

Celebrate Suffrage 125 at Alberton

The first of a series of community art workshops commemorating 125 years of women’s suffrage will begin at Alberton in Auckland on September 22.

The workshop at this Mt Albert mansion will be led by Dunedin artist Janet de Wagt with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and is free to anybody who would like to take part. Participants will create a commemorative banner that will be joined with other banners made in other workshops at key heritage locations around the country over the next few months.

The banners will be amalgamated into one final artwork and launched at Old Government Buildings in Wellington in April next year.

“The banners are a reference to three Parliamentary petitions that were circulated around the country that resulted in women finally being granted the right to vote on 19 September 1893,” says the Manager of Alberton, Rendell McIntosh.

One of the petitions, which was circulated in 1893, includes the signatures of Sophia Louisa Taylor – the owner of Alberton – and her daughter Winifred.

“It’s very appropriate that the workshop is taking place at Alberton,” says Rendell.

“Sophia became a member of the first committee of the Auckland branch of the Women’s Franchise League and used her wit, intelligence and energy to make resolutions and speeches in favour of women’s suffrage.”

Sophia Taylor supported the franchise movement for the practical reason that if women had to obey laws and pay taxes like men, surely they also deserved the vote. Like many other socially prominent women, she also supported the Auckland Tailoresses Union.

“The petition that Sophia and Winifred signed was described by suffragist Kate Sheppard as a “monster petition” consisting of petition sheets circulated throughout New Zealand, and returned to Christchurch where Sheppard pasted each sheet end on end and rolled it around a section of a broom handle,” says Rendell.

“The ‘Monster Petition’ survives, and contains 25,519 signatures – including some men.”

The roll was presented to Parliament with great drama. Sir John Hall, Member of Parliament and suffrage supporter, brought it into the House and unrolled it down the central aisle of the debating chamber until it hit the end wall with a thud.

“The banners will be an artistic representation of that extraordinary social movement that ultimately saw New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote,” he says.

Artistic ability is not necessary for people to take part in the workshops – and Janet de Wagt is looking forward to working with a range of different ideas and skills. Alberton will also be hosting a Suffragists Tea on September 22 and 23 which, he says, is another good reason to come along and take part.

The tea will include a plum cake made from Sophia’s recipe by Marist College students (tea or coffee $6 per person, or $10 to view the house).

“Participants will be able to use painting, printing, stamping, drawing and weaving – whatever they prefer – to create the banners,” he says.

“Participation is the important thing – and celebrating a movement that changed New Zealand and the world forever.”

Janet de Wagt bio for promotion

“Alberton goes for Baroque” One Hour Concert 5pm HNZ Media Release

 

NZ Barok

June 22

MEDIA RELEASE

Alberton goes for Baroque

A selection of Baroque music will be performed at Alberton, the historic mansion cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga on July 29 (5pm).

Performed by NZ Barok, New Zealand’s only period instrument orchestra, Melody and Musings: A Baroque Parlour Concertwill feature masterpieces by composers like Purcell, Vivaldi and Bach, as well as some lesser-known musical treasures from the 18thCentury.

Using instruments and playing styles of the period, the musicians will perform the compositions much as they would have sounded several centuries ago, while breathing fresh life and vitality into the pieces.

“The one-hour concert has been put together with a general audience in mind, and it promises to be a light-hearted and extremely enjoyable sampler of some Baroque gems – complete with anecdotes from history,” says the Manager of Alberton, Rendell McIntosh.

“This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy some beautiful live music in a delightful heritage setting.”

Tickets: Adults - $30; children, seniors and Heritage New Zealand members - $20. Tickets include refreshments and house entry. To book, or for more information, Ph 09-846-7367.

For more information: www.alberton.co.nz

“All dolled up at Alberton” (HNZ Media Release)

All dolled up at Alberton

Calling all doll owners.

Alberton, the historic mansion cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, has a new exhibition for its Collector’s Cabinet series – a sample of dolls dating from the 1880s to the 1950s.

Belonging to Auckland collector Karen Staniland, the dolls are rocking designer dresses and hand-made outfits – and have become the undisputed stars of Alberton’s Ballroom.

Karen’s lifelong love of dolls began with a pink plastic Kewpie given to her as a toddler. She now has 300 dolls as well as miniatures and teddy bears.

To learn more about Karen’s collection, along with the art of restoring antique and vintage dolls, join Karen for an informal talk and afternoon tea on Sunday 24 June at 1.30pm.

Admission free with regular admission to Alberton (Adults $10; children free). No booking required.

“Handmade for Mother” Mother’s Day Activities @ Alberton (26-05-2018)

 

 

 

April 26

Olwyn Bertram-Ellison with flowers. (Image HNZ Media Release)

MEDIA RELEASE

Handmade for Mother

Fresh flowers, vintage tea-cups and glassware, and the traditional handicrafts of felting and crochet will come together at Auckland’s Alberton this May as part of a programme of activities for Mother’s Day.

Founded in 1908 by American Anna Jarvis following a memorial service for her mother (a US Civil War nurse and peace activist), Mother’s Day was formalised as a celebration of all mothers in 1914 and took off around the world.  Jarvis, however, soon became disillusioned with the commercialisation of the holiday by retailers and card companies and urged a boycott. Instead of buying gifts and pre-made cards she insisted mothers should be honoured with handmade cards and letters expressing love and gratitude.

In that spirit, participants at Alberton’s workshops on 12 and 13 May can make things for and with their mums, learning floral art, felting, embroidery and beading or extending their crochet skills. The workshops are followed by afternoon tea and include entry to explore the house.

To book, contact Alberton at alberton@heritage.org.nz or (09) 846-7367

Saturday 12 May:

10:30am: Vintage Tea-cup and Glassware Arrangements with Olwyn Bertram-Ellison, Floral designer and Alberton’s Gardener. $55 (2 hours).

Meghan Mills (Image HNZ Media Release)

10:30am: Beaded Crochet Bowl/Jug Cover with Megan Mills, heirloom sewer and teacher of traditional handicrafts. $40 (3 hours).

Sunday 13 May:

10:30am: Felted Embellished and Beaded Cards with Evelyn Davis, Artist, Storytelling Threads. $45 (2 hours).

 

“Free entry to Auckland heritage attractions on Waitangi Day” Heritage New Zealand Media Release

Free entry to Auckland heritage attractions on Waitangi Day

Tourist Auckland heritage attractions, Highwic in Newmarket and Alberton in Mt Albert, will be open free of charge to celebrate Waitangi Day on 6 February – with a special display featuring at Highwic.

The Heritage New Zealand cared-for properties are part of a nationwide celebration of New Zealand’s national day, with 13 other Heritage New Zealand staffed properties opening their doors on the public holiday.

“Visiting both properties would be a great way to spend your Waitangi Day,” says Heritage Destinations General Manager Nick Chin.

“Highwic and Alberton are grand 19th century places that ooze heritage, history, character and charm, and have fantastic stories for the public to enjoy hearing about. (more…)