The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, which has looked after Government House Sydney since 1996, has brought its considered and focused approach to the preservation and maintenance of the building and a much needed consistency to the presentation of the interiors. No longer are the whims of different governors (or their wives), which this admirable volume amply documents, likely to determine the décor, curtain colours, carpet patterns, or pelmets. Indeed, since New South Wales led the way and ended the residential nature of Government House, the house is likely to be saved from overt viceregal interference in the future.

While not the biggest of Australia’s viceregal palaces, Government House Sydney is the most significant by virtue of being situated in Australia’s oldest city. Its castellated design by English architect Edward Blore has had numerous modifications since its original 1834 design. Some changes, even before construction started, were in response to the climate and the position of the house on the site; others were due to the fluctuating economy and inevitable changes in taste. Government House Sydney presents, in a most engaging and entertaining manner, the background to building the house, its construction and subsequent history, and its occupants. Through the marvellous selection of historical and contemporary photographs, it becomes abundantly clear that restoring any historic house to a particular period is a fraught and complex issue.