Hello again, and welcome back to the Eye of the Fish. I had quite a bit of work to do, and then I needed a holiday. And what did I do on holiday? Well, I read books, of course! Yes, I am one of those old-school types that still prefers a written book to an online presence, and so I’ve been really pleased recently to see the publication of “Wellington Architecture – a Walking Guide“, a new guide book to the architecture of the capital. It’s great! I love it! And I’ve read every word and looked at every picture, from cover to cover.
There have been guide books on Wellington Architecture before of course, primarily two books by David Kernohan, with one called Old Wellington and the other called New Wellington, if I remember correctly. Both have been out of print for well over a decade, and for some reason were not reprinted, so this new book is a welcome replacement. In fact, with photos by Patrick Reynolds, and words by John Walsh, I’d say this book is an improvement. Reynolds is a master at the art of architectural photography, and the pictures in the book look beautiful. Print quality is also high, with full colour glossy images, and of course with Walsh’s acerbic wit coming through at times, the text is thoroughly enjoyable too. It is affordable too, being only $25 and a handy small format that should fit in your pocket or handbag. It comes in the format of having a series of walks around town that you can follow, coming across a few stunning buildings along the way.
There are, apparently, more buildings / pages in this book than there were for either the Christchurch version or the Auckland version, which may surprise some. But then remember that Canterbury has lost most of its old architecture and most of the new stuff is shite. Interesting, but shite. And Auckland demolished most of its heritage in the 1980s, and let the inner-city mostly die since then, so there are not many quality buildings up there either. I’d allow a few exceptions – the Dilworth building of course, the Guardian Trust, and that tall bronzed Aussie number on Queen St as well, but Auckland went through a wave of throat-slittingly bad architecture in the 80s and 90s, that almost made me want to give up on the architecture profession altogether. Symonds Street, I’m looking at you!
I confess: I haven’t seen the Canterbury tales version of this book yet (I wonder if Unity stock that one too?) and its been a few years since I’ve seen the Auckland book. But I’m sure that this book is the best in the bunch. It is surprising then that there are so many buildings in Wellington that do not feature in the book – it could be a lot more exhaustive than it is. But then that’s the thing, isn’t it, that it is not trying to be a list and description of every single edifice in the capital, but instead just a series of enjoyable walks, interspersed with some great snippets about architecture. And it does that very well indeed.
I should have also said – please go and buy a copy of this book, every Wellingtonian should have one on their bookshelf, or by their bedside table – or better still, in their pocket as they walk the streets. It’s really vital that people support books like this, and bookshops like Unity Books, or that could all disappear. So – go – buy a book – and then take a walk.
Any buildings by the Fish inside the book? I imagine that Wellington must be full of Fishy wonders.
Sadly none that I know of for me, but Levi and Maximus may have had better luck than me? There’s probably a few of 60mPa’s works in there. Definitely some from some of our readers!
Good post Nemo and yes I will buy a copy
And also Unity is the only bookshop in town like Manuelas is the only florist
If one is of a mind for a good Wgtn walk before summer completely fades then the glow worm walk is good-
Best around February and recommended after a good night out – grab a couple of hot chocolates from Midnight Espresso and cruise up through the Varsity towards Kelburn shops, turn right down towards Glen Rd (by the vet) and go down to the end of the wide straight road where it meets the Botanical Garden ( not plural like the word “learning” also is not plural )
You meet two paths – up to the right meanders to the top of the cable car; the dark abyss down to the left heads to the Japanese Garden and the Duck Pond
Follow the abyss
There are glow worms in the banks either side of the path but especially on the true left
One only needs walk some 200-300m in but keep in mind it’s as dark as Satan’s bottom in there so some sort of torch may be in order
Of course please don’t shine torches at the glow worms
Happy trails, people
“Follow the abyss…” you sound like Edgar Allen Poe…. but I shall take your advice
Shrodingers Books on Jackson St – yes Wellington beyond the bubble.
Colyn Meads – wonderful to hear of this book shop. I did not know whether it was alive or dead, when standing outside it. Just to check – so they have the book in stock too ?