John Scott Works

A survey of the career of one of New Zealand’s most important architects

This handsome book is a rich and loving tribute to the work and cultural significance of one of New Zealand’s most influential but least well-documented architects, John Scott (1924–1992). Over 40 projects, from Scott’s famous Futuna Chapel and the Werry House to the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre and the Martin House, are beautifully photographed by David Straight. With essays by Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, Hana Scott, Bill McKay and Julia Gatley, and Gregory O’Brien.

Read more about the book here: https://www.johnscottworks.net/ And to read the introduction, click here.

This book is now unavailable for sale online but you can find it at your local bookstore.

‘It’s hard to believe now that Scott’s masterpiece, the Futuna Chapel in Wellington, was nearly lost, but there are many other buildings equally deserving of preservation recorded here. The emphasis is on the images but there are also excellent essays by Gregory O’Brien, Douglas Lloyd Jenkins and others. Outside a relatively small circle of architectural enthusiasts, the name of John Scott is not nearly as well-known as it should be. David Straight’s book should help change that and possibly inspire interest in other overlooked architects of the mid-20th century.’ — Paul Little, North & South

‘The book John Scott Works is a substantial publication (336 pages) with high-quality photographs of 40 of John’s projects. This is a fine record of his work and we can be grateful to David Straight for having photographed John’s architecture so meticulously.’ — Mike Austin, Architecture New Zealand

‘The architect’s works have been captured exquisitely here, in this, architectural photographer David Straight’s second photographic book. . . . The book’s design, by Catherine Griffiths, is, quite fittingly, as elegant and intelligent as the great architect’s work.’ — Houses

‘The whole package is a superb amalgam of fine photography, beautiful architecture, excellent design and top-rate production by Massey University Press — a masterpiece of collaborative endeavour.’ — Peter Simpson, photoforum