By Rachael Comer
Timaru Herald
June 22, 2026
Timaru Booksellers’ Jess Segar-Young, left, and Timaru historic researcher Roselyn Fauth show the artwork Fauth has created with images of the town’s historic buildings.
Timaru’s streetscape has been celebrated for its heritage value, and now many of its buildings feature in a new artwork designed to help educate and inspire the community.
More than 60 buildings feature in Roselyn Fauth’s latest creation, Prominent Timaru Buildings, with each building carefully drawn by the historic researcher and designer.
“To create the illustrations, I found the oldest photos I could and traced the buildings on my computer, line by line with my mouse,” Fauth said.
“It was painstaking at times, but it taught me so much more about architecture. Drawing each building slowly made me notice the skill and decisions of the architects, builders, owners and workers who shaped the town.”
The idea for the posters, which recently went on sale, was inspired by Timaru’s built heritage and “all the details we walk past every day, often without noticing”.
“I have always loved looking up at old façades, windows, rooflines, parapets and little architectural details above the verandahs. There is so much history sitting quietly in the streetscape.”
With a background in graphic design, the project brought together many of Fauth’s interests, including drawing, research, local history, and helping people connect with place.
“I am also a volunteer board member of the Timaru Civic Trust, and through my voluntary project WuHoo Timaru I share stories, activities and information to help people discover more about Timaru.”
Fauth began making the artwork about four years ago after gathering photos and notes about buildings around town. She said “it turned into a bit of a treasure hunt”.
“Once you start looking properly, you realise how many beautiful buildings and details are still here.
“I chose prominent heritage buildings that help tell the story of Timaru’s streetscape. Some are very recognisable, and others are there because of a detail, a connection, or simply because they add to the character of the town.”
She acknowledged the Timaru District Council, which has published detailed heritage reports on many of the buildings.
“Those reports helped validate my research and added another layer of confidence to the final poster. I hope it works not just as something nice to look at, but also as a quick reference for people who want to learn more.”
One of the biggest surprises had been the stories people had shared with her.
“That is probably what I love most about built heritage. The buildings help hold the stories. They give us a way to connect with what happened before us, and to better understand the place we live in now.”
Fauth said she loved seeing tourists stop and admire Timaru’s buildings, and hoped the project encouraged more residents to do the same.
Farmers was her favourite building to draw because of its many beautiful details, while the Oxford Building was another gem.
The poster also includes one building that is no longer standing: the old windmill which stood on Elizabeth Street, built by brothers William and James Parr in 1872. It became a landmark but was demolished in 1887 after proving unreliable due to inconsistent winds.
“I am half Dutch, so I had to include the windmill.
“It adds a little personal connection for me, but it is also part of Timaru’s built heritage story. Although the windmill has gone, there is a plaque on Elizabeth Street acknowledging its existence, so it still has a quiet presence.”
Fauth said it was helpful to include examples of lost buildings, as well as buildings that had been saved, such as the Landing Service Building at 2 George Street.
“We cannot hold onto everything, and towns do need to change. But we do need a good measuring stick for what is worth protecting.”
The poster lists the buildings in a walking tour loop, which connects with a CBD heritage scavenger hunt Fauth is working on.
Timaru Booksellers is retailing the posters, and Fauth has also collaborated with the business on two bookmarks.
The artwork is available as A3 posters, with A0 and other sizes available on request, from Timaru Booksellers.