I’m feeling rather honoured to be presenting this today. About a month ago, I was invited into the home of two very special guys here in Auckland; one is the collector, Cameron who happens to run the very popular Flotsam & Jetsam store in Ponsonby (I did a post about that here). The other is Gavin Hurley, a well-known New Zealand modern artist and whose works are represented here.
Before stepping into someone’s home, I always imagine what it might be like and how much of the occupants individuality will shine through. Of course when you get two thinkers and creative types living together, there was little doubt that it was going to be interesting.
Step inside the sixties apartment that Cameron and Gavin have lived in for about ten years. In the living room a large table takes priority over a sofa, which shows their importance of sharing good food and good conversation instead of a night in front of the box.
Those of you that have visited the Flotsam & Jetsam store will no doubt recognise much of the stores personality here. A wall is lined with industrial shelving, almost everything displayed in collections and yet with that masculine twist. Like a gallery, you could spend a lot of time standing there looking at all of the curiosities, even their book collection is displayed with an interesting quirk.
Artwork is also the common theme and can be found nestled amongst objects and ceramics.
If Cameron ever told you that there were no more display cloches or cake stands in store, we know where he could source some pretty quickly. These are the jewels, the ones that he couldn’t bare to part with just yet.
In the bedroom I was pleasantly surprised by the change of style and how they took cue from the mid-century drawers to a more simplistic display with clean lines.
The small kitchen houses many of the wonderful objects found in store that’s makes a room warm and inviting. On the windowsill an abundance of fresh herbs, further testament to their appreciation of good food.
This simple vignette of vintage enamelware, signs and beautifully shaped wooden spoons adds so much interest to the room.
At the back of the apartment is the spare room that Gavin uses as his art studio. I’m like a child when I enter creative spaces, they always have this kind of surreal feeling to them, so much energy is dispensed here and almost always, there’s that fantastic artistic chaos that only they could get away with. I find such beauty in tools and materials used to create, even observing the way a paint tube has been squeezed.
Some of Gavin’s work above left from the “Boy with..” series. Click here to view the collection. On the right, from a Moscot window display that Gavin was commissioned to do which I remember well, it was brilliant and I had no idea that it was his work until now.
Gavin told me that they don’t spend a lot of time at home lately and are really using the space as a base. Perhaps it’s the time that they’ve been here, or their characters that are etched into the place but it’s anything but a home that is left idle, it’s bursting with life and creativity.
If you’re in Auckland, make sure you put Flotsam & Jetsam on your list of places to visit, there’s so many interesting curios and furniture to be found. They also have just recently opened an online store for those out of town.
Gavin Hurley’s work can be viewed at the Melanie Roger Gallery in Herne Bay.
A special mention goes to Oreo the cat who definitely rules the roost in this house. He was a little suspicious of me wandering around the apartment taking photos at first, but we soon warmed to each other.
Have a great weekend everyone and thanks so much for having me Cameron and Gavin!
Mel xx
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Beautiful. Love seeing homes of creatives.
What great photos you took. The artwork is really lovely. Great inspiration. Thank you Mel xx
Thanks Tina, glad you enjoyed it. M xx
What a beautiful home and studio! So many nice little things to discover… And I really like Gavin’s artwork, too.
Treasures everywhere. Yes Gavin’s work is brilliant. M xx
gorgeous photos Mel! What an interesting collection and mix of home decor -lots of personality!! Love the photo of their cat Oreo (cute name!) he’s a beauty!
I know, they said that Oreo was looking rather angelic in that photo! xx
I love Gavin and Cameron’s home Mel-and how beautiful is your pic of Oreo?! I hope they get that one framed-just gorgeous!! Love the first image too. Will check out their website. Happy weekend lovely xx
You’d love their shop Caroline! Have a great weekend too xx
A beautifully written piece. I have always wondered what treasures such a fab collector might keep for himself…. love the shop, love the apartment.
Thanks so much Haidee, it was such a pleasure to document. Mel:)