Story: Home décor and furnishings

Public and private spaces

Public and private spaces

This 1899 view of the hallway of Birtley, the home of the Street family in Parnell, Auckland, shows the decorative archway that was typical of many villas of that time. It was a visual indication of the dividing line between the public part of the house, in which visitors were received, and the private quarters. The stairs probably led to first-floor bedrooms, while the passageway behind them gave access to the kitchen and other service rooms.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: 1-W537
Photograph by Henry Winkelmann

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Home décor and furnishings - The significance of home décor', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/40697/public-and-private-spaces (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 Sep 2013