Used on the office desk of Robert Hannah, this pen rest would have been privy to numerous decisions and debates relating to the workings of the Hannahs’ shoe empire.

Made of cast iron, this piece features an ornamental open-work pattern.  Although the maker is unknown, the design is distinctly of the late Victorian period, which saw elaborate features and decorative accents incorporated into a wide range of objects.

The association with Robert Hannah, one of New Zealand's most successful businessmen has added a dimension of glamour and prestige to this functional and practical item.

As a “rugby nation” it is no surprise that an inter-hostel rugby competition was played between the occupants of Antrim House, and those of other Wellington-based hostels for young people.

At this time, Antrim House was operating as a boarding hostel for men in the public service.  Many social and sporting events were planned, many of which were documented through photographs.  As such, the Antrim House Challenge Shield represents a tangible part of this social network which was operating in Wellington during the 1950s and 1960s.

This wooden sports shield, with a silver plaque inscribed with a running rugby player, documents the winning hostels of the competition.  The first winner in 1953 was the Antrim House hostel, the shield then left its Boulcott Street home after being won through successful challenges by the Boat Harbour team, the Avonhurst Maori Hostel team and the Ahumairangi Hostel.  The last recorded challenge was in 1969, with a win by the Ahumairangi Hostel.  It hangs now in the NZHPT's National Office staff room at Antrim House.

Painted by Matthias Rademacher, these portraits depict John Ellerker Boulcott and Mary Boulcott, after whom Wellington’s central city street, Boulcott Street, where Antrim House, is named.

Mr John Ellerker Boulcott and his wife, Mary (nee Hill), never visited New Zealand, however they were associated with the New Zealand Company, which was responsible for promoting European / English colonial settlement in New Zealand.  Through this connection, Boulcott became an owner of land in the Wellington region.  His two sons emigrated in 1842, and became farmers on the property owned by Boulcott. 

It is likely these paintings were created in England; the artist, Matthias Rademacher, was born in Germany, and is thought to have been a student of Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, a German court painter, who had also practised in Rome. 

Rademacher’s portraits of the Boulcotts show both sitters looking directly out of the picture frame, engaging clearly with the viewer.  The style of clothing each wears is relatively austere, however several items of jewellery have been subtly included; Mr Boulcott wears a gold and jewel encrusted cravat pin, while Mrs Boulcott wears a delicate lace cap embroidered with pink flowers.

These portraits were donated to the NZHPT in 1982 to commemorate the opening of Antrim House as the headquarters of the NZHPT.

This rosewood sideboard dates to the 1820s and belonged to James Edward Fitzgerald.  Fitzgerald had met Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a colonial promoter and founding member of the New Zealand Association, in England, and in 1849 Fitzgerald agreed to become the secretary of the newly established Canterbury Association.  He emigrated from England to New Zealand the following year, and was the first passenger to leap off the Charlotte Jane onto the Lyttelton foreshore.

During his career, Fitzgerald was appointed the first Superintendent of Canterbury, founded The Press newspaper, and was elected Minister for Native Affairs.  He advocated equal civil and political rights for Maori and Pakeha, and was opposed to the practise of land confiscations.  He spent the last 30 years of his life in Wellington.

This sideboard was one of the pieces of furniture Fitzgerald selected to bring with him to New Zealand.  It was a large piece of furniture to bring over a sailing ship.  The sideboard has two cupboards, each with a drawer above, as well as a central drawer.  The back of the sideboard is curved and moulded, the drawers have moulded detailing, and the cupboard doors are panelled.  It was presented to the NZHPT in 1978 and continues to have an active life in the NZHPT’s Board Room.