New Zealand Odyssey: Allendale, 50 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

One of the most imposing houses on Ponsonby Road, number 50, attracted me through its rather snooty belvedere. wrought iron lace and pompous bay windows. (I drew the lace work with liquid rubber solution, then painted the watercolour washes over it, then peeled it off. Hey presto - white railings!)

'Allendale' was built in the early 1890s for George Allen, who made horse tack. Over the years it has been a private hospital, doctors' rooms, boarding house, hostel for Maori girls, a refuge for alcoholics and 'Orsini's' restaurant. I think its latest disguise is that of a bank trust.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz