Liverpool Room

 

The Liverpool Room.

The Liverpool Room is named after the Earl of Liverpool (1912-20) who was New Zealand’s last Governor and first Governor-General following the issuing of new Letters Patent in 1917.  The room is used as a sitting room to receive small groups of guests and for small gatherings, usually at morning or afternoon tea.  The room also hosts up to 35 recipients of New Zealand honours before their investiture in the Ballroom. 

This drawing room has had many names and uses.  Once called the Billiard Room it was known as the Smokers Room in the 1940s and more recently as the Green Sitting room.  A feature of the room is the display of contemporary New Zealand, including that of Michael Smither. 

The furniture is a mixture of existing and contemporary pieces. The chiffonier is Victorian and the Sheraton oval table was made during the reign of George III, about 1790.  The clock on the mantel was a gift from the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson (1990-97)

Considerable work was undertaken as a part of the Conservation Project.  In the past, the rimu panelling, fireplace and skirting boards were painted and as a part of the project the layers of paint were methodically removed to reveal their former glory.

The carpet is a kowhaiwhai pattern designed by New Zealand artist Andrew John Tama-Kainga McLeod.  The design references the work of 20th Century New Zealand artist Theo Schoon, who used Māori motifs in his art work.