Banner image source: www.wellington.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/5370
This event includes 3 x different experiences, which can be booked separately above as individual tickets or bundled together for a $5 per ticket discount.
- William Gray Young: Architect Extraordinaire
- Freemasons in Wellington – from 1842 to the Wellesley Building
- Wellington’s Roaring Twenties – Boom time for high rise construction
Location: The Wellesley Hotel, 2-8 Maginnity St, Wellington 6011
William Gray Young: Architect Extraordinaire
Image: W.R. Davidson, "Wellington’s New Railway Station: Layout and Architectural Features" The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 8, December 1, 1929. William Gray Young stands on the right.
An illustrated talk on one of Wellington's most renowned and prolific architects
Join Rob Vorstermans, a Wellington architect, as he shares insights into the life and legacy of William Gray Young - one of New Zealand’s most distinguished architects from 1905 to 1962. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, Gray Young masterfully blended tradition with innovation, leaving a lasting mark on the architectural landscape of Wellington and beyond.
Event time: 12:15-1:30pm Thu 6 Nov
Cost: $25 (or $20 if booking for the 3 Wellesley talks)
Freemasons in Wellington – from 1842 to the Wellesley Building
Learn about the history of this boutique hotel, the story of Freemasons around the world, and how the two connect.
Freemasonry dates from the Middle Ages and stonemasons who built the cathedrals and castles of Europe. From the early 1700s, men who were not craftsmen were also accepted into membership. Freemasons have been in New Zealand since the early 1800s, and currently have 4700 members in 176 Lodges. Freemasons first met in Wellington in 1842 and have met at different places around the city since that time. There are presently only two active Lodge rooms in Wellington City including at the Wellesley.
The Wellesley Boutique Hotel was built in 1927 for the Wellesley Club, established in 1891 as a ‘junior’ offshoot of the Wellington Club, founded in 1841. Since the 1990s, it has operated as a hotel, with its second floor redesigned for meetings of the Westminster Lodge of Freemasons and other lodges. Wellesley is the family name for the Duke of Wellington, after whom Wellington city was named in 1840.
Architect Warwick Bell will provide an illustrated history of Freemasons buildings in Wellington and discuss the heritage preservation work involved with the Wellesley building, designed by William Gray Young (1885-1962). Stuart Brooker, part owner and initiator of the Boutique Hotel will also comment on the work involved in refurbishing this category one heritage building for new use as a hotel and for Freemasons.
This will be an opportunity to explore the traditions and symbols of Freemasonry through visiting the special architecture of the lodge.
Event time: 2-3:15pm Thu 6 Nov
Cost: $25 ($20 if 3 Wellesley talks are booked)
Wellington’s Roaring Twenties – Boom time for high rise construction
Banner image source: www.wellington.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/5370
Join Richard Norman as he helps you to look with new eyes at the city’s heritage from the 1920s.
Event time: 3:45-5pm Thu 6 Nov
Cost: $25 (or $20 if booking for the 3 Wellesley talks)
During the 1920s, Wellington grew rapidly as a result of the new technologies of the motor car, electricity, films, broadcasting and aviation and services such as rail, insurance, finance, road construction and government support for farm exports and research.
Planning changes and the use of steel enabled the construction of taller buildings, drawing particularly from architectural styles which were transforming American cities.
During the 1920s Wellington’s regional urban population increased by 30 percent to 130,000 and most of the major buildings from the 1920s were strongly built and continue to define the city. Despite recessions early and mid-decade this was a period of optimism as New Zealand established greater independence from Britain.
This talk builds on research for a centennial history of Rotary in New Zealand, founded in 1921 in Wellington and Auckland. Two Mayors of the period, Charles Norwood and George Troup were founders of Rotary and major contributors to the fast-growing economy of the 1920s.
Richard Norman, a member of Wellington Rotary and Wellington’s Historic Places Trust, will help you look with new eyes at the city’s heritage from the 1920s. The Wellesley Hotel, opened in 1927 and a Category One heritage building, is a symbolic place to reflect on the importance of the Roaring Twenties boom for Wellington.
Historic Places Wellington
Historic Places Wellington (HPW) in collaboration with Wellesley Hotel HPW is a membership not-for-profit organisation based in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand.We advocate for heritage in the wider Wellington region, and offer events such as talks, walks and visits to historic places and buildings. Wellesley Boutique Hotel is in a historic 1929 brick building is nestled in the heart of the Lambton Quarter.
Email: christina.mackay@vuw.ac.nz
Phone: 021476875
Terms and Conditions
Health & Safety
The Wellesley Hotel has recently been identified as a potential earthquake risk but remains fully operational while plans are developed for strengthening. Safety procedures will be explained at the talks.
Nestled in the heart of the Lambton Quarter, the Wellesley Boutique Hotel is an oasis of calm and relaxation. The Wellesley Hotel is located in Wellington’s business hub and a short walk away from superb dining, shopping and major sports and events venues.