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Skyline Sculpture

by Lynne McCarthy

There once was a time when the skylines of our city were dominated not by the tall and towering monoliths of glass but with the varied rooflines of domestic architecture, solid brick chimney stacks and the then ubiquitous chimney pot.

These pots (now chased away) were functional and decorative and were available in a wide range of styles and glazes. Some were simple, squat and salt-glazed, some tall, louvered and embellished with hearts or diamond cutouts.

Tastes and building design then changed, alternative forms of heating became fashionable and the chimney pots began to tumble. Jack Diamond, an Auckland man with a long interest in Auckland history, watched the demise of the pots with some horror and, with the intention of saving at least some of them, began to collect. He has collected pots of all sorts, a type for every taste, a design for every down-draught.

For although fashion was not an important factor in the choosing of a chimney pot, wind conditions were. The Wellington Pot was typically multi-louvered at the top and the Auckland version, a plainer, more dignified design. In Gisborne or Christ-church the tubby, rounded version was preferred. None of these, of course, tells of the personality of these cities but is simply a response to cross currents.

One type that overrode all geographic boundaries was the Government Pot. This pot was the joy of the Public Works Department and was to be found atop all government buildings, state and railway houses and the like. A short, sturdy, no nonsense pot which sold in 1935 for 9/- glazed, 8/- unglazed.

Mr Diamond's collection grew quickly. For some pots he had to scramble to the roof tops, while others could be more easily obtained from demolition yards. In time his interest became well known and he was sometimes forewarned of the probable demolition of buildings with important pots.

Today these pots he salvaged are safe and in the Auckland War Memorial museum where they were recently exhibited. They add to our understanding of times so quickly passing. They have character and style. We owe a vote of thanks to Mr Jack Diamond for his concern.

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