The Exhibition naturally brought forth a multitude of souvenir ware which is now highly collectable. While much of it, such as china, was manufactured overseas it is all generally of good quality.
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| The New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition main entrance and Grand Court 1925-1926 |
The hugely successful New Zealand Dunedin in 1865 and 1889 but also the highly successful Christchurch Wellington
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| The New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition Grand Court 1925-1926 |
Designed by noted Architect Edward Anscombe, the seven Pavilion buildings occupied 16 acres with the impressive dome of the Grand Court facing an artificial lake – although Logan Park had in fact been Lake Logan
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| The New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition simulated night view 1925-1926 |
Showcasing not only the best that New Zealand could offer in the way of agricultural produce, industry, tourism and the arts, the pavilions included displays by fellow countries within the British Empire. Entertainment included pipe bands, brass bands, a “dancing troupe”, a large “Exhibition choir” and last but not least a funfair, complete with a roller coaster. A restaurant and tearooms catered for an endless stream of customers.
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| A New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition Season Pass and Medal 1925-1926 |
Visitors over the 24 weeks totaled an incredible 3.2 million with the closing day attracting 83,935 visitors alone. Season Tickets holders were able to return whenever they wished, some just to soak up the atmosphere. Built of permanent materials, the old Art Gallery Dunedin Town Hall
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| A New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition souvenir stand made of embossed copper on a marble base, c.1925 |
The Exhibition naturally brought forth a multitude of souvenir ware which is now highly collectable. While much of it, such as china, was manufactured overseas it is all generally of good quality.
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| A "Victoria China" Exhibition Mug, made in Czechoslovakia c.1925 |
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| A "Willow Art China, Longton" Hair Pin container made in England, c.1925 |
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| The quirky but collectable nature of some souvenirs, this "Gemma" china Coronation Throne made in Czechoslovakia, c.1925. I am wondering if the Coat of Arms belongs to 'The New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Company Limited'. |
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| A "Grafton" bone china Exhibition trio, made in England |
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| The cheapest Exhibition souvenirs that were produced are now often the rarest, these unused embossed ashtrays / pin dishes being made of plastic, c.1925 |
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| Many publications commemorated the Exhibition, but none would be complete without a hand-made suede bookmark! 1925-26 |
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| Exhibition ware was also designed to be used, this unmarked Exhibition china egg cup carrying a crest. c.1925 |
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| No New Zealand Exhibition of the period would be complete without the ever present engraved Red Glass Ware, 1925-26 |
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| A contributor has supplied this image of a delightfully translucent green vase which is also engraved for the 1925-26 Exhibition. While I have seen plenty of red Exhibition glassware I have never seen green Exhibition glassware before which leaves me wondering if engraved green glassware could be somewhat rare? [Image Courtesy of Lesley Treweek] |
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| Another contributor has supplied this image of a delightfully translucent light blue pressed glass dish engraved "Mother from Margaret Dunedin Exhibition 1926" [Image courtesy of Melita Johnston] |
The above contributor notes (Feb 2015) this interesting website link : "The China Shop" which details the Dunedin firm of "Langley & Son", being china and glass importers, supplying engraved glass from a stall at the Exhibition, most interesting!
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| The New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition, Dunedin 1925-1926 |
My Blog on the Opening of the Exhibition and the visit of H.M.S. Dunedin may be viewed Here.
Gone but not forgotten....
Gone but not forgotten....
Bibliography :
- Internet sources
- “Otago Cavalcade 1921-1925”
All items are from my own collection unless otherwise stated.
