Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Otago Girls' High School was the first girls secondary school in New Zealand, and it is believed to be the first in the southern hemisphere. Established with the assistance of the Presbyterian Synod, it was opened on 16 February 1871. The girls were originally housed in the south wing of the original Boys' High School in Tennyson Street until, in 1885, the boys moved into their new building designed by R A Lawson and situated in Arthur Street. In 1910 the girls moved into the present building of the Otago Girls' High School main block situated in Tennyson Street. From the outset the school sought to establish high standards for New Zealand women based on the principles of Christian temperance, equality and academic endeavour. As part of these standards, domestic science was encouraged by the school authorities and was eventually introduced as an optional course at the turn of the century. Outdoor recreation areas, however, were not seen as necessary for girls in 1910 and were not provided. Among those who received their education at Otago Girls' High School are Margaret Cruickshank, New Zealand's first practising woman doctor, and Ethel Benjamin, New Zealand's first woman barrister. Since the 1910 building was constructed, other more modern buildings have been added to the school complex although these in no way impinge upon or affect the appearance of the historic main building which embodies a rich heritage of women's achievements in New Zealand.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFCANCE The old main block buildings have significant architectural merit in their own right as examples of Edward Anscombe's early work. Anscombe, who is perhaps better known for his later work in the Art Deco style, showed in the Otago Girls' High School building a sensitive handling of the Gothic collegiate architecture theme. This is evident in the balanced façade, with twin matching gable ends and central Tudor period tower, and in the rich but tasteful interior decoration. In this sense the building looks forward to the simpler, more rationalised style of Gothic architecture which evolved in the 1920s, but at the same time incorporates the highly decorative tradition of the preceding Edwardian era. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE The old main block building has considerable streetscape appeal when approached from View Street. From this angle one sees an impressive two storied bay windowed projection topped with battlements. This view extends around to the right to the imposing main entrance which faces two other notable buildings classified by the Trust, the Dominican Priory and St Joseph's Cathedral opposite. The building therefore forms part of an historic precinct and also crowns the top of the inner-city's steepest street, which is View Street.