The stone is compact and hard, and is ideal for building purposes, especially where ornate moulding is required. The finished stonework has a creamy, sandy colour. Unfortunately, it is not strongly resistant to pollution, and can be prone to surface crumbling.
Oamaru stone was used on many of the grand public buildings in the towns and cities of the southern South Island, especially after the financial boom caused by the Central Otago goldrush of the 1860s. The city of Dunedin and town of Oamaru both have many fine examples of Oamaru stone edifices.
Its ease of working also appeals to sculptors. Artists employing this medium include Carissa Proffit of Dunedin.
Oamarustone is used on many of Otago's older structures...
Oamarustone is a hard, compact limestone, quarried at Weston, near Oamaru in Otago, New Zealand.
Oamarustone was used on many of the grand public buildings in the towns and cities of the southern South Island, especially after the financial boom caused by the Central Otago goldrush of the 1860s.
Oamaru is the largest town of North Otago in the South Island of New Zealand.
Emily Gillies, a 19th century Oamaru artist, was the daughter of C.H. Street whose mother was the sister of Edward Lear (1812-1888) the famous English watercolourist and writer of humorous verse.
Oamaru is the eastern gateway to the Mackenzie Basin, via the Waitaki Valley.
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