Newstead House
Newstead House
Client:
Newstead House Trust
Location:
Newstead, Queensland
Status:
Completed 2024
Contact Person:
Simon Boundy
As Brisbane’s oldest European residence, Newstead House stands as a living testament to the city’s early history.
Originally built in 1846, this state-listed heritage site has been meticulously restored to reflect its 19th-century splendour.
Today, Newstead House operates as a heritage house museum, allowing visitors to step inside and explore Brisbane’s past.
The home’s history as a Brisbane showpiece
Our conservation work centred on the ‘Harris’ period. George Harris, who owned and occupied the house, was a prominent figure in Brisbane’s early social, political and commercial life.
Known for his opulent taste, Harris transformed Newstead House into a showpiece with features such as rare hand-painted wallpaper and the distinctive ‘Harris Blue’ wall paint pigments.
Researching the past to shape the future
The Department of Environment and Science Heritage carried out extensive research and paint analysis to authentically recreate these original elements, preserving the building’s historical integrity.
This included the design and production of new wallpaper by Interior Productions, which played a crucial role in revitalising the interior while maintaining historical accuracy.
The conservation project restored the architectural beauty of Newstead House. But it also reinforced its role as a cultural institution, keeping the stories of its rich history alive for generations to come.
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Client:
Newstead House Trust
Location:
Newstead, Queensland
Status:
Completed 2024
Contact Person:
Simon Boundy
