Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Holtermann mansion, North Sydney

Holtermann mansion, North Sydney

1875
Glass photonegative

Holtermann’s residence on 8 acres [2.5 hectares] at St Leonards was described as ‘fit for a nobleman’. When Holtermann died in 1885, the mansion was bought by the Anglican Church and became part of the Sydney Church of England Grammar School. The tower from which Bayliss made his panoramas was encased by bricks in the 1930s and the building, although still in the school grounds, has now been altered beyond recognition.

From the Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 1887

What is called a " Jubilee Fete " was opened last night at the North Shore. It is in connection with St. Thomas's Church, and, by permission of Mr. T. A. Dibbs, was held at Holtermann's Tower... [which] stands in a very picturesque, spot and commands extensive and very pretty views of the shipping, harbour, city, and distant mountains. A variety of entertainments are embraced in the fête. Last night the grounds were rendered gay by the presence of a multitude of Chinese lanterns. Music was supplied by the band of H.I.M.S. Bismarck, who attended by kind permission of Commodore Heusner. The “Ethiopian Minstrels," under the direction of Messrs. Horley and Parker, gave entertainment of a mirthful character. [The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 1887]