Jeremy Salmond – a tribute.

We are very saddened at the passing of renowned heritage architect and Devonport resident, Jeremy Salmond.

Jeremy was the foremost heritage architect in the country and leaves behind a huge legacy of knowledge and appreciation for New Zealand’s historic buildings, both public and private.

In 1973 he and his wife Anne bought an old villa in Devonport which he painstakingly restored and so began his life-long interest in historic buildings. This grew into a deep knowledge and expertise and he went on to establish Salmond Reed Architects in Devonport.

His work included the conservation of Pompallier House, Russell, the Civic Theatre and the chief Post Office in Auckland.

Jeremy was awarded the Queen’s Service Order for his contribution to heritage preservation in 2007 and the NZ Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal in Architecture in 2018.

While he worked on many of New Zealand’s most significant historic buildings he had an abiding love for the villas, cottages and bungalows of Devonport. Jeremy enhanced the awareness and appreciation of our historic marine suburb. When Devonport Heritage was established in 1994 he was a guiding light and his support as expert advisor continued over the years.

We in Devonport Heritage are indebted to the work he did with us, most recently on our proposal to have Devonport’s Victoria Road business area declared an Historic Heritage Area. The detailed historic research his firm did in 1986 formed the backbone of our proposal and he wholeheartedly supported the plan to give further protection to Devonport’s Victorian/Edwardian Main Street.

Like many of us, Jeremy was appalled by the threat to Auckland’s historic areas from the latest intensification plans; he worked hard with heritage groups to defend Auckland’s Special Character Areas.

For those of us who worked with him, Jeremy’s wit and warmth, his boundless knowledge and his gentle manner made him a delightful colleague and friend.

Jeremy Salmond SUPPLIED/STUFF

He had a wonderful way with words and wrote with elegance and humour about our historic buildings and the people who built them.

His book “Old New Zealand Houses 1800 to 1940” taught us that this country’s history resides in its buildings which is why they are so crucial to an understanding of our European past.

We send our deepest condolences to Dame Anne and their children and grandchildren.

There may be some comfort that their great loss is echoed not just along the streets of Devonport, but all around the country.