The Drawing Room

  • <span class="title">Cupboard</span><br/>A 17th century japanned cupboard in the Drawing Room.
  • <span class="title">Ceiling</span><br/>The ceiling in the drawing room is a wonderful example of turn of early 20th Century plaster work.
  • <span class="title">China</span><br/>This china cabinet in the small Drawing Room contains Royal Doulton, Shelley and Spode porcelain.
  • <span class="title">Door handles</span><br/>These elaborate door handles with decorations grace the door connecting the Drawing Room to the Ballroom.
  • <span class="title">Clerke painting</span><br/><p> This portrait of Captain Charles Clerke, RN, is one of Government House's most important paintings. It was painted by Sir Nathaniel Dance, and presented by Lord Galway in 1941 at the end of his term as Governor-General. It is the only known portrait of this close friend of Captain James Cook and is believed to be one of the first representations of Māori and Pākehā together in European art. </p>
  • <span class="title">Drawing Room</span><br/>The Drawing Room is used by the Governor-General for meetings with foreign dignitaries including visiting Heads of State, as well as formal receptions and ceremonies. The doorway to the right leads to a spacious conservatory with views over the gardens.

The Drawing Room is an elegant L-shaped room is immediately to the north of the Ballroom and is used for formal receptions and ceremonies. Opening off it are the Conservatory and the Small Drawing Room.