Johann Levien, a German, arrived in Wellington in the early 1840s and soon gained a reputation as a gifted cabinetmaker. He was particularly interested in using native timbers to make art furniture. In 1843 Levien emigrated to London with a consignment of tōtara and other wood and established a successful workshop. In 1851 he showed several pieces in the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, including this chair and console table made from New Zealand timber.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
PUBL-0164-07/08
Engraving by Johann M. Levien
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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