Bledisloe Conservatory

 

The Bledisloe Conservatory.

The Bledisloe Conservatory, named after Governor-General Lord Bledisloe (1930-35), originated as a glasshouse nursery attached to the main house, used by the gardeners to cultivate seedlings. Photographic evidence suggests that the conservatory continued to function as a nursery through to the 1960s when alternations were carried out.

During the 1980s the conservatory underwent further alterations. These changes were brought about by a change of use for this room when the conservatory was transformed into its current state as a glazed sunroom attached to the main house.

The Bledisloe Conservatory is used for small gatherings and, by proximity to the Blundell Room, supports the formal functions of the main house. The glazed construction provides a strong connection to the main garden.

The intent for this room was to provide a winter garden and facilitate repose and relaxation. Native New Zealand flora have been planted in large copper pots and groupings of comfortable seating allows for informal gatherings. The tall ceramic pot with a painting of Wellington is by Roy Cowan.

The original entrance on the north facing façade was vulnerable to prevailing winds and difficult to navigate, especially for service staff.  As a part of the Conservation Project, new double doors were installed facing west, creating an entrance from the north terrace. The ground level was raised to provide an accessible level entry point to the conservatory and the main reception rooms beyond. The original entry doors have been removed and replaced with windows matching those existing.

A new glazed roof lantern has been reconstructed to match the original which was removed and replaced with a smaller lantern in the 1960s. The size of the original lantern is much better suited to the scale of the room and the aesthetic values of the building.

New black and white marble floor tiles to match those in the main entry hall lobby were installed as was under slab heating to extend the Conservatory’s useable hours.