Silver Fern Gallery was established in 1993 by the current owners, Avril Dolman and Graeme Bates. Originally called The Emporium, and then 38 Buckingham Street, the business became an Arrowtown icon. 
The 38 Buckingham Street name reflected our Arrowtown address and our wagon wheel logo was derived form the premises’ original use as a coach builder’s workshop.
In May 2008, after 15 years in Arrowtown, Avril and Graeme opted for change of scenery and relocated their business to Church Lane in Queenstown, when the Arrowtown premises were redeveloped.
We became Silver Fern Gallery following our move to Queenstown in 2008 and transition to a webstore in 2022. The new name reflects our evolution to a retail store, then an online store, specialising in New Zealand made and themed art and craft items.
The Silver Fern name has a long association with retail in Queenstown by the Dolman family. Nora Dolman, Avril’s mother, traded as Silver Fern Souvenirs in Beach St for almost 40 years, until her retirement in May 2011. Many of Mrs Dolmans exclusive lines, and traditional Maori art, have continued into Silver Fern Gallery.
