Olveston Historic Home

11/02/2025

When we think about the contribution an architect makes to a building, we mostly focus on how it looks. And, from this point of view, the Theomins’ architect certainly served them well. Olveston is a lovely structure that manages to be both grand and gracious. We also think about how the architect creates a connection between the building and its environment. Despite its eclectic mix of architectural motifs Olveston is firmly rooted in this corner of the world by its Oamaru limestone accents and Moeraki-pebble cladding. But architects, of course, are also responsible for how a house functions as a home and in this Olveston’s architect, Sir Ernest George, excelled. Indeed, functionality must have been high on the list of priorities because, George, in close collaboration with David and Marie Theomin, paid careful attention to the kind of practical detail that would facilitate the business of living comfortably and, for their staff, working efficiently, in the House.

As Mervyn Palmer, a former director at Olveston, once noted in an article entitled The House Ran on Oiled Wheels,

the impression is gained that Sir Ernest George and Mr Theomin, putting their heads together, came up with a number of practical additions to the design and construction of the house and to the furnishings that made the most of labour-saving opportunities.

Consider all the amenities with which Olveston was supplied on move-in day in July 1907:

Electricity at the flick of a switch, throughout the House, thanks to a generator in the Basement, a good few years before reticulated electricity existed in the city.

Hot water radiators all through the building, courtesy of a boiler in the Basement. This also heated the towel rail in the Family Bathroom and served hot-water pipes in the Glasshouse, as well as in the Garage, ensuring the car would start up easily, on even the coldest Dunedin morning. Furthermore, they knew to place those radiators underneath the windows to mitigate the effects of condensation – no weeping windows here on damp, chilly days.

A deep canopy over the window of the Cold Storage Room to shield it from sun exposure while marble shelves, a tiled floor, and a screened window for ventilation, combined to keep temperatures low in the era before household refrigeration was available.

In the Scullery, a large window, through which staff would take deliveries, reached from the outside by a set of steps, with a bell to ring, thereby eliminating the need for delivery boys with muddy boots to tramp through the rooms. And, perhaps, curtailing fraternisation between the female staff and those delivery boys.

A service-pit, built into the Garage floor, allowing the car to be overhauled in situ.

An internal telephone communication system, in addition to the more traditional call-bell system, so that conversations could be had, politely, between rooms. No rowdy shouting up and down the stairs in this household! And I’ve noted that the call-bell system operates even out on the Loggia – the balcony opening off the Dining Room. No need to move inside to summon a drink on a summer evening!

A service lift travelling from top to bottom of the House, with stops at all four floors – a boon to staff carrying heavy linen from the Laundry and Drying Room in the Basement up to the bedrooms.

But wait… there’s more! Join us on a guided 2-hour Architectural Tour of the House to discover all the remarkable ways in which Olveston combines traditional grandeur with the domestic comforts and conveniences of cutting-edge Edwardian technology.

The next Architectural tour is on Tuesday 18th February from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Architectural tours are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Organisations or private groups can book at other times to suit.

Cost: $46.00 per person. Bookings essential.

Ph: 03 477 3320 or Email: [email protected] to make a booking.

Olveston historic home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

Article prepared by Tracy White, Operations Supervisor, at Olveston Historic Home

08/02/2025

Reception for Lady Newall, Olveston June 1945, Part Two

In Part One we left our readers - just before the arrival of Lady Newall. Let us now read about the Reception as described by the author of the letter. We are, as before, quoting from extracts from the letter:

Lady Newall, according to the rules of the game, arrived precisely on time. Her Lady in Waiting, Nora Walton and Maurice were with her. Maurice had to disappear till he was called. Maurice was her servant for the evening. He was glad to do so as he required a few quiet moments. Maurice was allowed to come out once all his playing was over to have supper and then ‘move around’.

It was all timed that Her Ex would not take longer than 3/4hr being introduced to the guests and her saying her little piece to each one. The clergy were all lined up, informally, in the entrance hall which had a bright big fire, as in the sitting room. The university lads were assigned to the sitting room. It must have been extremely difficult to invent a little piece to say to each one and to call up over a hundred fresh smiles. Nora had a few sweet words with me about my subject, psychology. She did recollect to have seen me in Wellington after one of Maurice’s recitals.

Maurice and Frederick came in as scheduled, and one of the most interesting parts of the evening for me began. I turned pages once again when Fred was at the piano. There were also songs by a cousin of Peter’s. The Lady sat in a chair of honour by the fire and certain important people took turns to sit near her- timetabled no doubt. She spent the evening making rather fatuous remarks, such as “Do tell us what you are going to play” and when it was finished “That was just divine!”, or “Schubert is just wonderful”. Miss McKellar rather aptly chose one song by the famous composer, William Walton, who was Nora’s brother. The poor girl must get sick of living with his reputation. Her Ladyship leant over to a dreadfully unmusical person with a face like boiled corn beef, just before this song and says in a loud stage whisper, resonant with an Oxford accent, that Wm was Nora’s brother, you know. Poor chap didn’t know, and didn’t even look as if he knew who Nora was.

Supper was in the dining room which like the rest of the house was luxuriously furnished with rather an overdose of paintings and hundreds of intriguing nick nacks, some of them priceless, in glass cases and cabinets, as well as on shelves. I should hate to have the job of dusting,

Supper was served just after 10.00pm. This was served by girls nicely done out in white. We all knew it was a hoax, however, for they were all from the Home Science School.

Things were complete when Her Ex went round and said goodnight to everyone, and flourished out of the door with Nora and Maurice.

End of extract.

The writer then describes a recital given by Maurice the next evening at Mrs Forsyth’s and various other Dunedin happenings and McKellar Family news.

The third and final part of this Post will contain information on some of the people mentioned in this letter, plus information on Lady Newall.

Article prepared by Kevin Flaherty, guide at Olveston Historic Home.

Come on one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

Olveston is open to the public for 1-hour guided tours of the house or garden. You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz

07/02/2025

Mandarin Speaking Tours at Olveston: Celebrating Chinese New Year – The Year of the Snake.

If you were one of the thousands who celebrated Chinese New Year at Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden last Saturday (February 1st), you probably enjoyed the incredible Dragon Dance, Lion Dance, and the many cultural performances, all topped off with a grand fireworks finale!

Chinese New Year actually begins on the eve of the 28th January, but the celebration doesn’t stop there! Join us this weekend at Olveston for special Mandarin-speaking tours. Explore beautiful Chinese artefacts brought to Dunedin by the Theomin family during their travels to Hong Kong.

For example, in the Library, you will find a stunning brass incense burner – a Koro censor bowl in the classical Qing style. This circular piece, supported by three legs (Ting) features a mythical animal motif called the T’ao T’ie, known for its distinctive, gaping mouth, popular in ancient Chinese art. It’s just one of many treasures that help tell the story of Dunedin’s rich Chinese heritage.

Visiting Olveston is a wonderful way to understand and celebrate Dunedin’s long standing Chinese connections.

Contact us for more information. 03 477 3320

https://www.olveston.co.nz/

06/02/2025

We’ve recently highlighted some of the new craft that has been arriving in the Olveston Shop. However, we continue to stock old favourites too and, very often, an oldie is a goodie! This is certainly the case with the jewellery made by Mel Reshey of Melrose Paper Designs. In keeping with our commitment to support the work of local craftspeople, Mel is a Dunedin designer who creates charming earrings using pretty floral paper motifs perfect for the summer season. There are styles to suit all tastes, from dainty studs to delicate drops, some luxuriously embellished with silk tassels. Stainless steel hooks, posts and butterflies allow them to be worn comfortably by those with sensitive skin.

Purchase a pair for yourself or as a treat for someone special.

Come and browse in the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of the Olveston Gift Shop, open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Ph: 03 4773320.

04/02/2025

BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION OF LANDSCAPES

As you wander along the ground floor passage towards the Kitchen at Olveston you will see an amazing collection of paintings of landscapes: mountains and valleys.

A beautiful selection of watercolours by William Joseph Wadham (1863 -1950) is on display in this area, including one entitled “Looking Towards Paradise”. A favourite place of the Theomin family was a guest house at Paradise, on Lake Wakatipu. Wadham was born in Liverpool, England, and moved to Australia in 1885. He spent some time in New Zealand, and other works by him on the walls of the Olveston passage are “Seascape” and “Frankton Arm and the Remarkables”.

Also to be found in this area of the House are “Afternoon Glow, Lake Pukaki” by local Dunedin artist Roy Dickison (1923- 2012).

Then there is Edith Woodhouse's landscape “A Reedy Lagoon”. She was born in Scotland in 1860 and arrived in Dunedin in 1863. Many of her painting are in the Hocken Library.

“Sylvan Scene” is a watercolour by Alfred Sinclair, the professional name of the brother of the more famous William Joseph Wadham mentioned above. Alfred was born in England in 1866, studied at the Liverpool Academy of Art and moved to Australia in 1887 to join William.

“Kookaburras”, often remarked on by Australian visitors to Olveston, is by Neville Cayley (1853 – 1903) who was also an English-born immigrant to Australia This painting hangs on the wall across from the base of the maids’ staircase and is a lovely reminder of Marie Theomin’s early life in Melbourne before her marriage to David Theomin and her relocation to Dunedin in 1879.

“On the Scheldt” depicts a river that flows through France, Belgium and the Netherland to the North Sea. It is painted by English artist Charles Allbon (1856 – 1926). He studied at the Croydon School of Art and was mostly a watercolourist and etcher of landscapes and seascapes.

This selection of paintings is gorgeous and displayed so well against the very plain walls in such a domestic area of the House.

Article prepared by Vivienne Houston, guide at Olveston Historic Home.

Join us for a specialty two-hour guided Art Tour of Olveston Historic Home to see these and 200 or so other fabulous artworks up close.

The next ART TOUR will be held on Tuesday 11th February between 3.00pm & 5.00pm. Then the second Tuesday of each month thereafter. Private groups by arrangement at other times to suit.

Call reception on: 03 4773320 or email Olveston on: [email protected] to book – spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Cost: $46 per person.

Olveston is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin. You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz.

01/02/2025

One of the questions often asked by guests when they visit the library is, “What did they read, and did they read every book?”

The answer really is, we do not know. We do know that they did not read every book because it would appear that the Theomins followed the normal fashion and bought some books for the bindings, not the content. We know this because some pages have never been slit open. A dead giveaway is it not!

What I am going to write about in this article is what Dorothy read when she was living at Olveston by herself in her final years. Her distant cousin, Charles Brasch has left us a record of a visit he made to Dorothy in his diary for the 14th of January 1954. A couple of other guests have told me about the radiogram being converted to a small TV set and also how Dorothy had placed the triple mirror in her bedroom in such a way that the bay window served as a day room whilst the rest of the room was her bedroom. In essence this would have given her the use of the bedroom, dressing room, bathroom and toilet and we know that when she died, the Radiogram/TV was in the Billiard Room.

Downstairs in the Library, on the East Wall bookcase D3, we can see books Dorothy bought and read in the 1950/60’s. They reflect her wide range of interests.
Some of our more mature readers might remember some of the following or have them in their own libraries.

Shakespeare: The Man, The Poet, and The Plays, Published in London, 1957. Author: Ivor Brown. Ivor Brown was a famous critic writing for the Manchester Guardian and Observer newspapers in middle of the 20th Century.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes, By Lady Diana Cooper. The first of three volumes of memoirs by Lady Diana, who was a famous beauty and social figure in England from about 1910 until her death in 1986. She knew the gossip on all the famous people of that period.

The Honeyed Peace, By Martha Gellhorn. This is a collection of stories written by this famous war reporter who at one stage was married to Ernest Hemingway.
Music is represented by Constant Lambert’s Music Ho: A Study of Music in Decline and Hesketh Pearson’s biography of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Literature is covered in part By Peter Quennells Byron in Italy: The Story of the Most Spectacular Part of Byron’s Life—After He Left England for Italy in 1816.

Dorothy Sayers’ translation of The Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Florentine—Cantica I: Hell (L'Inferno), sits next to a copy of Plato’s The Last Days of Socrates. This Penguin Books version was published in 1955 and was a Christmas present to Dorothy from a friend named Hengie. We do not know the full name of the friend.

I will close this article with the name of an author completely unknown to me. Her life story is extremely interesting , the stuff of an 8-episode Netflix series. One wonders what Dorothy would have thought about the life of Angela Thirkell. Whatever her thoughts, she did read at least one of her books, maybe because of the Anthony Trollope connection? Angela was very well connected to the artistic life of England from her birth in 1890 until her death in 1961. She was not a great fan of life in Melbourne though. I highly suggest looking her up on Wikipedia.

In 1941, Dorothy even bought a copy of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. One assumes she had read it as a teenager. Ah, the contrast between the peaceful Edwardian way of life when she first read it and what she had lived through—two World Wars, a worldwide depression, and the deaths of the three other members of her family.

Booklovers, if this has stirred your interest, how about contacting us and see if you can organise a special two-hour tour of the home concentrating on just the 1700 books (and more) sitting on the shelves of Olveston. Alternatively join one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

Olveston is open to the public for 1-hour guided tours of the house or garden. You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz



Article prepared by Kevin Flaherty, guide at Olveston Historic Home.

30/01/2025

We are incredibly fortunate to now feature the work of Johanna Qiao Tong in our shop here at Olveston. Johanna is a local artist, originally from Gore who works within a full mixed medium spectrum, from oils, collage, photography, charcoal, pastel, watercolours & pencil.

Of the many wonderful works Johanna has made, we are particularly lucky, I feel, to be offering some of her stunning weaving work. Three beautiful kete whakairo are now perched proudly in our display cabinet awaiting their new home. Kete whakairo are woven bags made from harakeke, and are of a higher quality, and more patterned than a more utilitarian kete might be.

Normally when we write a post like this, we try to explain in our own words about the artists process and artwork, but I feel that Johanna explains her work best, so allow me to share an excerpt from her website about these pieces…

” Beneath the Pāteroa / Rock & Pillar Range in the small town of Middlemarch, I started weaving at a 10-week course taught by Marcanui Taura, in February 2023.

At that exact time that I started to learn how to weave for the first time, I rescued & nursed a small bird, a Goldfinch.

Through the 10 weeks of learning intensively about kete whakairo, the Goldfinch grew and became my weaving companion.

The Goldfinch became so accustomed to being near harakeke, it eventually made a kete it’s bedtime perch, sleeping in a kete hanging from the ceiling next to my bed.

The Goldfinch grew and grew and started to sing and fly all the while I was weaving, when the weaving course ended, the bird flew out the door into a bright morning.
Kōurarini means Goldfinch in te reo, māori.

This is why Kōurarini Toi was chosen as a name for my weaving, to acknowledge my feathered friend who was there when I first learnt how to weave and was born at the place where the harakeke grew.

At the time of writing this, in early August 2023, I have been weaving for 6 months.”
We here at Olveston look forward to offering more of Johanna’s amazing work in the future!

Visit us at the Olveston Gift Shop for a peaceful browsing experience. We're open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Call us at 03 477 3320.

28/01/2025

Board but not bored.

The long passageway on the main floor leads to the kitchen, where Olveston often begins its casual tours. At the centre of the room is a large kauri-topped worktable, with a striking kauri cutting board (825 x 610 mm) resting on it. This board, featuring three sides with inset handles, is particularly unique due to its high gallery on only three sides—a style commonly associated with French pastry boards. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, such boards were used for making pastry and chopping herbs, with the raised sides helping to keep small bits from falling onto the floor or countertop.

While this piece doesn’t typically make a mention in the Behind the Ropes Tour as it is on display for all to see, it’s an intriguing detail, nonetheless. The kitchen holds many other fascinating items stored within its cupboards and cabinets, each with its own story. Join us for the next Behind the Ropes tour on Tuesday, 4th February, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely 2-hour, small-group experience exploring fascinating and beautiful collection items that are not usually on display.

And don't worry about this cutting board getting "bored"—it’s always busy, seeing visitors all day long!

Behind the Ropes Tours are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Groups on request at other times to suit. Cost $46.00 per person. Bookings essential.

Call Reception on 03 4773320 or email Olveston on [email protected] to book – spaces are limited, and bookings are essential.

Article prepared by Erica Atkins, Housekeeper/Collections at Olveston Historic Home

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: http://olveston.co.nz,

www.olveston.co.nz

25/01/2025

This magnificent piece of furniture is a feature of Mr Theomin’s Dressing Room.
As with numerous items in the Home we know nothing about its provenance. In his 1907 Inventory David lists it as a Chippendale wardrobe with a value of ₤30.00. In the 1966 Probate Report, the value is listed as ₤75.00 and the style is listed as Sheraton. No matter though as both Chippendale and Sheraton were working during what is called the Georgian Period. This style of furniture had a renaissance during the Edwardian period so to the Theomins it would have been very desirable to buy it for their new House.

The piece shows signs of repairs over the years.

The central double doors open to show three shelves and below them a selection of various sized drawers. All ideal for a gentleman’s range of foldable clothing on the shelves and the drawers containing his socks, handkerchiefs and underwear. The smaller drawers are for cuff links, watches, fobs, chains, and shirt and collar studs. His gloves would also be held in these drawers.

The doors at either side on the front of the wardrobe, and the shelves under them, are all dummies.

At either side end is a door which, when opened, displays a full-sized hanging space. This would have been ideal for hanging great coats, evening tails, and other suits of clothing. No creasing of the bottom of long coats or tails here!

The handles are elliptical brass pulls and the style of the piece is crowned by the moulded cornice.

This is a truly elegant and useful piece of furniture for any gentleman to have in his dressing room.

It just goes to show that nothing is really new when you consider the rise of the dressing room \Walk-in wardrobe in modern houses.

Article prepared by Kevin Flaherty, guide at Olveston Historic Home.

Come on one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and and admire the variety of furniture on view, learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

23/01/2025

One of the highlights of the Olveston Kitchen is the extensive set of blue and white Delft-style kitchenware to be found there. I say Delft-style advisedly because, despite their colouring and their motifs of windmills, canals and cottages, this kitchenware was not manufactured in the Netherlands at all, but rather in Waechtersbach, near Frankfurt, a German ceramics manufacturer founded in 1832. The set is earthenware pottery, fired for practical purposes, because it is naturally porous and not watertight, with an opaque white enamelled glaze that can also be highly decorative.

The Olveston Gift Shop has just taken delivery of a brand-new design of tea towel inspired by the much-loved blue and white set. Cannisters, storage containers, cutting boards, jugs and wooden spoon holders are all rendered in just the right shade of inky blue on crisp white cotton. The Eagle Range, dating to 1904, which takes pride of place in the Olveston Kitchen is featured on the tea towel too, along with the cast-iron boiler, black kettle and griddle which sit on its hobs. This new tea towel makes a delightful gift for someone, or souvenir for yourself, and can be combined with other items inspired by Olveston’s kitchenware, including our 100% cotton tote bags and boxed sets of glass coasters.

Visit us at the Olveston Gift Shop for a peaceful browsing experience. We're open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Call us at 03 477 3320.

21/01/2025

The New Zealand Garden Trust was established in 2004 under the umbrella of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture to promote the best in NZ gardens. A garden is assessed over five categories:
Garden design
Design and hard landscape
Planting design
Horticulture and maintenance
Overall impression

In 2014 the Olveston Garden was awarded 5 stars by the Trust, ranking it as a Garden of National Significance. In 2017 and 2020 the garden was reassessed, and we retained our Garden of National Significance status. This accolade is highly sought after and not easily achieved.

The Olveston Garden has had a major redevelopment completed in the top garden area and this has now been included in the adjudicators’ assessment, resulting in Garden of National Significance status being once again awarded to Olveston for 2024.

This award also recognises the time, dedication, flair, hard work and love that are put into the Garden, and we are grateful to Sarah, our amazing gardener, and past gardeners, Sarah and Margaret Goldsmith, for their tireless work over years to keep the Olveston Garden constantly at the standard expected by this accolade and appreciated by the many visitors, both local and overseas, who visit this peaceful oasis in our city.

Join us for the next Garden Tour and immerse yourself in the beauty that makes Olveston so special.

The next Olveston GARDEN TOUR will be held on Tuesday 28th January between 3.00pm & 4.00pm. Then the fourth Tuesday of each month thereafter. Private groups by arrangement at other times to suit (minimum 8). Cost $25.50.

21/01/2025

Captured by the stunning beauty of the day and the remarkable architecture, an artist is seen painting en plein air outside Olveston Historic Home.

18/01/2025

The Persian-style Card Room upstairs, nestled just off the Billiard Room, is a treasure trove of fascinating objects that evoke a sense of curiosity, relaxed comfort, and beauty. These unique ornaments and soft furnishings, acquired from all corners of the globe—particularly Turkey, Morocco, and Western Asia—immerse visitors in a world of intrigue and artistry.

A recent visitor inquired about a particularly curious item resting on one of the red couches: a "Fly Switch"! Crafted from coarse hair with a turned bone handle, this intriguing object may well have been purchased during the Theomins’ travels to Morocco, where flies would have certainly been more abundant than in the cooler climate of Dunedin.

Thanks to the excellent care of Olveston’s housekeeping team, this item—and many others in the collection—remain in pristine condition. Originally displayed upright in a large, dark blue earthenware vase alongside a fine collection of fans, the “Fly Switch” was recently repositioned flat to preserve its integrity. Over time, and kept in an upright position, the weight of the coarse hair may have caused it to deteriorate.

As for the vase, two fans of unknown origin are still proudly displayed. One is a Y-shaped fan, intricately woven from broad fibre—possibly flax—gathered and bunched to form a handle. The other is a beautifully crafted fan made of split cane in the shape of a halberd, with a wooden handle and red lacquered holder. A third Japanese fan, too delicate for display, is now under conservation care.

A fourth object was brought to my attention, another “Fly Switch”, also stored under conservation conditions. Worth showing here for its composed gathering of seagrass bound into a fabric-covered handle decorated with beautifully coloured beads and shells.

Olveston is a place where visitors can return time and again and still discover new wonders. Each visit brings a fresh opportunity to uncover something you may have never noticed before!

Come on one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

Olveston is open to the public for 1-hour guided tours of the house or garden. You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz



Article prepared by Jo Woolley. Operations Supervisor at Olveston Historic Home.

18/01/2025

Looking forward to the arrival of these beautiful penguins.

Olveston Historic Home ....75 of these wee beauties will be heading your way today!! I'm just adding finishing touches before boxing up!

17/01/2025

When I heard that this year was the year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac, my mind immediately thought of the beautiful snake silk work that hangs in the Great Hall. I then thought of my own Chinese zodiac animal. Could I find a tiger amongst the collection? With a bit of searching, it turned out yes! I was delighted to find a small, Indian brass figurine of a tiger nestled amongst Edward’s pipe tampers in the Drawing Room.

Well, why stop here I wondered? In preparation for Chinese New Year, why not see if I can find all the animals of the zodiac hiding in the collection? Check out your animal in the pictures below, let us know your favourite piece and, if your curiosity has been piqued, perhaps you can join us next month to celebrate the Chinese New Year!

If you're planning to visit Olveston Historic Home during the Chinese New Year festival, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in both the history of the home and the cultural significance of Chinese heritage. During the long weekend, 6th to 9th February, the Olveston team will be offering a Mandarin-speaking guide for all six daily tours.

The tour will focus specifically on the Chinese items in the home, highlighting how the Theomin family appreciated and embraced Chinese culture.

Visitors will get to learn about the fascinating collection of Chinese artifacts and how these pieces played a part in the family's life and history.

This is a special way to explore the Home and its connection to Chinese culture, making it a unique experience during the vibrant Chinese New Year festivities.

PICTURES:

SNAKE - Our representation for the year of the snake, 蛇, the 6th animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, is this beautiful silk-on-silk embroidered panel made by Sozaemon Nishimura of Kyoto in the Meiji era. In the west, snakes have developed a rather poor pop culture image, being seen as a uniquely evil animal by some. However, in some places in China, snakes are seen as good luck. In Chinese folk religion, the mother goddess Nuwa, who created all mankind, possessed the head of a woman and the body of a snake. Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be enigmatic, wise and sympathetic.

HORSE - The year of the Horse, 7th in the Zodiac cycle, is here represented by William Greene’s “The Old Cob” adorning a wall in the Library, it is one of several notable horse paintings that Mr Greene made duringt his life. Unfortunately, Mr Greene was born in 1872, making him a part of the Year of the Monkey! Those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be honest, outspoken and easy going.

GOAT - Our number 8 in the cycle, the goat, was a little bit trickier to find. But tucked in the back of a French cabinet in the Drawing Room, I spied two adorable goats looking out at me from a Meissen urn. The function of this piece is not entirely known by us, but it was likely purely decorative for the Theomins. Those born in the Year of the Goat are said to be intelligent, romantic and compassionate.

MONKEY- The beloved Monkey, number 9 on the cycle had, of course, to be represented by our 3 wise monkeys who preach “see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil”. Our monkeys are Japanese, but similar figures and sayings can be found in China, where the saying goes “The gentleman makes his eyes not want to see what is not right, makes his ears not want to hear what is not right, makes his mouth not want to speak what is not right, and makes his heart not want to deliberate over what is not right". Those born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be humorous, popular and confident.

ROOSTER - The rooster, 10th in the cycle, proved to be another difficult one to spot. But tucked away in Dorothy's Sitting Room, is a book presented to her in 1900 for improvement in French and English, “A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine”. Emblazoned on its cover is a magnificent rooster. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be talented, brave and self-reliant.

DOG - Now for our lovely dog, 11th in the Zodiac, I was simply spoiled for choice. While the Theomins never had any dogs of their own, art depicting them can be found all over the home. I simply couldn’t decide between the 4 oil paintings here, so we will count them as a set for the sake of this post. These lovely pieces, painted by Hugh George Shaw in the late 1800s showcase Pugs, St Bernards, King Charles Spaniels, and Terriers. They always draw out smiles from our guests while exploring the Billiard Room. Those born in the Year of the Dog are said to be honest, friendly and loyal.

PIG - Ah the humble pig, 12th in the cycle, and last in the mythic race that gave the animals their place on the zodiac. I knew exactly what I wanted for this animal. Part of a small collection of childhood toys in Dorothy's Bedroom, is a jointed toy depicting a man riding on a pig. This piece may actually reference the traditional child's mnemonic for GEOGRAPHY. (George Edward's Old Grandfather Rode a Pig Home Yesterday). Those born in the Year of the Pig are said to be sincere, brave and easy going.

RAT - Now we come back to the start, with the winner of the race, the quick-witted rat! For this, I have chosen a Japanese vase depicting a Rat and a Grasshopper. To elaborate on this race, the story goes that a race was called by the Jade Emperor to be held between the animals to secure a spot on the zodiac. The animals needed to cross a deep and swift river in order to win. The cunning rat knew that he would never win if he swam on his own, so he convinced the ox (our runner up) to carry him over on his back. The strong ox had no issue crossing the river, but just before he left the waters, the rat, wanting to win, sprang off his back and over the finish line, securing his palace as first on the Zodiac! Unsurprisingly, those born in the Year of the Rat are said to be wise, intelligent and determined.

OX - Our humble runner up. The ox was, I would say, the hardest to find in our Collection. I have cows aplenty but an ox? But lo, in a box of travel photos taken by the family during their time in Egypt in 1927, we found an “Ox working pump”. Perhaps this photo was taken by Dorothy? We know she developed a keen interest in photography in her life, so perhaps she fancied herself the family’s go-to documentarian while abroad. Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be honest, observant and loyal.

TIGER - I was very happy to find out that my sign was a respectable 3rd in the race, and even happier to find this darling little piece in the collection to represent it. A lovely brass figure, most likely from India, sits alongside Edward’s pipe tamper collection in the Drawing Room. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be adventurous, enthusiastic and unconventional.

RABBIT - I owe it to one of my wonderful colleagues for our rabbit. You see I had encountered an issue: most rabbits in the Collection were only to be found in hunting scenes, after being successfully hunted. I did not want to have such a macabre representation for the wonderful rabbit, so one of our guides set off, and found this. A small rabbit, barely noticeable on the 1940s Sanderson-linen-covered chairs in the Great Hall. Granted, this fabric also depicts a hunting scene, but maybe our rabbit will get away to see another day! Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be intuitive, gentle and clever.

DRAGON - Finally, we have the dragon who, funnily enough came 5th, in the zodiac race. The reason for the dragon’s odd placement (given the fact it could fly!) was that he was distracted during the race by some villagers in need. He left the race, helped the villagers, and returned in time to place 5th, which is quite impressive, I think! Dragons were another animal I was spoiled for choice on, but I have chosen this Chinese carved hardwood figure of Bodhisattva Manjusri, (Wen-shu) riding on a dragon. The figure represents Wisdom. The scroll held in the Bodhisattva’s left hand identifies the figure as Manjushri, the personification of spiritual wisdom, who is generally shown holding such a text in the form of either a Chinese-style handscroll or an Indian-style palm-leaf manuscript. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be intuitive, gentle and clever.