New Zealand Odyssey: Burrell Demolition, Scotland Street, 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.

When I first saw this ramshackle edifice I licked my lips in anticipation. It was exactly my kind of subject: peeling paint, lots of rusty iron and not a straight line anywhere. I never went inside but can imagine its tumble of demolition materials: everything from lavatory chains and door knobs to sash windows and bathroom suites all covered in dust and wreathed in cobwebs.

I imagine that over the years up to its own demise (it's certainly no longer there) this building must have housed refugee parts from a city that was constantly undergoing modernization.

I wonder how many people living in Ponsonby and Freemans Bay will remember this wonderful blot on their landscape?

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz