James S Turnbull, born in Timaru in 1884, gained early architectural experience through training with Christchurch architects before moving to Melbourne. Upon his return to Timaru, he established a successful architectural practice that flourished well into the 20th century.
When the New Zealand Institute of Architects was formed in 1905, Turnbull was immediately elected a Fellow, a prestigious membership status. His work included the design of both residential and commercial buildings during a period of growth in business and agriculture. Many of his buildings remain, including a number of elegant Edwardian houses with distinct Arts and Crafts influences.
Turnbull was drawn to the Arts and Crafts movement, which gained prominence in England through its reinterpretation of traditional British forms, inspired by Anglo-Saxon architecture. His houses often featured the Timaru vernacular of red brick, though he also designed timber buildings, combining timber boarding, roughcast plaster, and masonry in a style influenced by architect C.F.A. Voysey.
Over generations, many families have enjoyed living in homes designed by Turnbull or his later partnership with Percy Rule. In 1919, Turnbull formed a partnership with Percy Rule, and together, they designed many of the buildings that contribute to Timaru's distinctive architectural character. Turnbull retired in 1938, and future articles will explore these buildings in greater detail.
The son of Richard Turnbull, a prominent Timaru businessman and politician, James Turnbull also designed significant buildings outside Timaru, such as Job Brown’s Beehive Stores in Temuka (heritage item #117, 1901-2), Chalmers Church (heritage item #38, 1903-4), and numerous homes in Timaru. After forming the partnership with Percy Rule around 1920, Rule became the principal designer in the firm. The firm’s projects included the Temuka Library (heritage item #118, 1926-27), St Mary’s Hall in Timaru (1928-29), St James’ Anglican Church at Franz Josef (1928-31), and the 1930 additions to the Bank Street Methodist Church (heritage item #51).
James Stuart Turnbull (1864–1947) died aged 82 and is buried in Timaru Cemetery. Row 130, Plot 430, Timaru Cemetery. You can view his grave here: Timaru.govt.nz/cemetery-search/12547
Katharine Turnbull was buried in the same grave at the Timaru Cemetery on 14 December 1972 at the age of 94.
Notible Buildings in Timaru CBD
1901. D.C. Turnbull & Co Offices. 1-7 Strathallan St
James Turnbull. Edwardian Commercial Classicism
1902. Coronation Buildings. 256-260 Stafford St
James S Turnbull. Edwardian Commercial Classicism
1903-4. Chalmers Presbyterian Church. 2 Elizabeth Place
James Turnbull. Gothic Revival
1915 Grosvenor Hotel. 26 Cains Terrace.
James Turnbull. Edwardian Baroque
1924-25. Oxford Buildings. 148-154 Stafford St
Turnbull & Rule. Inter-war Classical
1928-29. St Mary's Hall. 24 Church St
Turnbull & Rule. Collegiate Gothic
1941-42. Timaru Milling Co Office. 1 Stafford St.
Turnbull & Rule. Art Deco Modern
Turnbull Rule Residence Te Weka Street.
Turnbull Rule Residence Te Weka Street. Property File.
TEMUKA
1912. King George V Coronation Memorial. Temuka Domain, Domain Avenue, Temuka
James Turnbull. Classical
1903 (gates); 1911-12 (ticket box & fence).Fallen Troopers’ Memorial gates, ticket box & Coronation fence. Temuka Domain, Domain Avenue, Temuka
James Turnbull, designer, HB Hall & Son, stonemason & Messrs Anderson & Co., metalwork (gates); Messrs Palliser & Sons (ticket box & Coronation fence)
Classical
Turnbull went into partnership with his former assistant Percy Watts Rule in c.1920, after which time Rule was the principal designer in the firm. The firm designed the Temuka Library (heritage item #118, 1926-27), St Mary’s Hall in Timaru (1928-29), St James’ Anglican Church at Franz Josef (1928-31) and the 1930 additions to the Bank Street Methodist Church (heritage item #51).
Turnbull also designed Job Brown’s Beehive Stores (1901-2) in Temuka, Chalmers Church (1903-4, heritage item # 38), and a large number of Timaru houses. Turnbull was in partnership with Thomas Lusk (c.1882-1946) until June 1911; he later went into partnership with Percy Watts Rule (c.1920), after which time Percy Rule was the principal designer in the firm. The firm designed St James’ Anglican Church at Franz Josef (1928-31) and Rule was awarded a Gold Medal from the NZ Institute of Architects for his design of the Surgical Wing at Timaru Hospital (1936-40) in 1939. The former manse retains a high level of exterior authenticity and was credited to Turnbull alone at the time of its construction.
King Street, Temuka, New Zealand, 1912, Temuka, by Muir & Moodie. Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (PS.001496) No Known Copyright Restrictions