Olveston- time capsule of a lost era - Page 2© Philippa Jane Ballantine
Page 2
Feb 1, 2000
The Theomins hired Sir Ernest George as their architect, and Olveston is the only known example of his work in the southern hemisphere. It is regarded as one of his more mature works, and incorporates all the modern conveniences of the time; central heating, in-house telephone system, heated towel rails, and electricity. Even before the city itself had electric power, Olveston generated its own. Begun in 1904 the house was finished in 1906.
The house is now a time capsule of the period, and opens the visitor's eye to another era and way of life. Steps lead up to the kitchen window where the delivery boy would ring the bell to drop off his goods. If he was deserving there was a little tin full of pennies to reward him, but the window rather than a door made sure that none of the maids of the house would be 'bothered' by delivery boys, or the cooks clean floors marred by muddy boots. In the beautifully timbered and carpeted great hall where dancing and entertaining was held, a small 'Juliet' window gave a good view down from the second floor card room- a useful thing to a careful mother. This room ,often referred to as the Persian Room, is decorated in the lush ruby reds of Morocco, and with its own little fireplace wood have been a cosy spot . In the drawing room where Marie once a month was 'at home' to visitors, there are six small but exquisite stained glass windows three of great writers, three of great artists. The game's room has a two tonne billiard table, which meant that Ernest George had to include steel bracing in the floor just to hold it up. The Theomins travelled extensively, particularly in Asia and at Olveston you can get to see the type of rare objects usually stuck behind glass in a museum. However it is not just the details of the wealthy revealed by a visit to Olveston. Here you get a chance to venture below stairs as well. The kitchen is a marvel, everything neatly laid out, and with the whizziest gadgets of the era. Its easy to imagine the eagle eyed cook and stern butler who must have ruled here. And we have a chance to see all of this because of the generosity of the Theomins. Marie Theomin died in 1926 and David in 1933, but tragically, with the death of Edward in 1924 from lethargic encephalitis, and of Dorothy in 1966 the Theomin line died out in New Zealand. Neither of the youngsters had any children to pass this wonderful house onto. Dorothy undoubtedly discussed this with her father David when there was only the two of them left, and Olveston was gifted in her will to the city of Dunedin. The treasures it contains now belong to the people.
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