SHIPPING OFFICES

Evening Star, Issue 22807, 16 November 1937, Page 2

SHIPPING OFFICES

APPROPRIATE NAUTICAL DESIGN Appropriately, a distinctly novel effect is being introduced in the decoration scheme of an Auckland shipping company’s new offices. Interior decorators, are at present busy creating the effect, r which gives a flavour of the sea by the designs of a full-rigged ship, a schooner, a modern liner,, and an ancient paddle steamer, a oaraek, and a seaplane, sand-blasted on the panels of the double swing doors. _ • On entering one immediately gains the impression, of being aboard a ship at sea. On the right-hand side are a series of portholes looking out on rolling waters, and on the other >is the open sea with a large liner just off the bow. Passing through the, doorway one gains the impression that the “ other ” ship appears to be bearing off from her starboard bow but down the office, or, alternatively, aft along the fo’c’sle head. A most realistic effect is obtained of the ship, swinging around until she is directly abeam. The hack of the office is arranged to appear like the bridge and funnels, complete with ventilators, of a steamer’s superstructure, with just below, corresponding to the charthouse, two interviewing rooms fitted with ports. The counter itself, of finely polished oak ; is carved to represent a vessel’s rail.

The general tone is subdued with the wind-flecked seas around. Other salty notes are the seahorses etched on the ports of the manager’s office, and the small lamps mounted on Spanish galleons which will stand on each of the clerks’ desks. The design is unique in New Zealand.