Olveston
by John Walsh
Find your copy...
Olveston is one of New Zealand's most remarkable and beautiful heritage homes. Built in 1907 by David Theomin, a wealthy merchant and one of Dunedin's accomplished Jewish businessmen of that era, its opulence reflects the economic power that was concentrated in Dunedin at the start of the twentieth century, largely thanks to the earlier gold rush and the booming farming sector.
Theomin and his wife Marie were cultured people who travelled a great deal and the house is full of items brought back from abroad, as well as valuable furniture and significant paintings. Designed by leading British architect Sir Ernest George, the beautifully cared-for house is now in public ownership and open for tours.
Olveston: Portrait of a Home, evocatively photographed by Jane Ussher, documents its exquisite rooms full of treasures.
Author: John Walsh
ISBN: 9781991016782
Publisher: Massey University Press
Published: 11/09/2025
Format: Hardback
About the Author
John Walsh is a writer specialising in architecture. For a decade he edited Architecture NZ and was managing editor of a stable of design magazines. He has contributed to numerous publications, including The Architectural Record (USA), Topos (Netherlands), Interstices, Metro, The New Zealand Listener, The New Zealand Herald, Here and Home NZ. His books include New New Zealand Houses (Random House, 2007); Home Work (Random House, 2010); Big House, Small House (Random House, 2012); City House, Country House (Random House, 2016); Far Pavilion: New Zealand at the Venice Architecture Biennale (NZ Institute of Architects, 2017); St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel (Architectus, 2018); Christchurch Architecture: A Walking Guide (Massey University Press, 2020); Auckland Architecture: A Walking Guide (revised edition, MUP, 2021); and Wellington Architecture: A Walking Guide (MUP, 2022).
Jane Ussher MNZM is one of New Zealand's most lauded photographers. Perhaps best known for her photographs for the Listener and, more recently, magazines such as New Zealand House & Garden, her photographs have also appeared in the high-profile, award-winning books Coast, Islands,Worship, The New Zealand Horse, Endless Sea, Nature - Stilled, and Historic New Zealand Homesteads. Jane lives in Kerikeri, Northland.