ISAAC LUCK (1817 – 1881)

Isaac Luck, the man destined to become the most forgotten architectural influence on Christchurch, arrived in Lyttelton 9th June 1851, aboard the Canterbury Association’s 9th ship, the ‘Steadfast’. As Luck stepped ashore, the man who would play an interesting role in his future was just a few buildings away, selling stationery and giving drawing lessons. …

The Arts Centre

To tell the story of The Arts Centre, the cultural heart of Christchurch, is to surprising tell the story of Canterbury’s first school, the Anglican Christ’s College. Rev. Henry Jacobs was under no illusion. He knew that there would be no church or school awaiting him upon his arrival in Canterbury but like any man …

Cantab Architect Designed World’s Largest Wooden Gothic Church -1886

The story of St Mary’s Cathedral Church began with the purchase of land by New Zealand’s only Anglican Bishop, George Augustus Selwyn in 1843. It was here that Selwyn planted the seeds of his dream of having a grand Cathedral for Auckland. The following year, a small chapel named St Stephen’s was built and consecrated …

The Canterbury Museum Opened – 3rd December 1867

On 3 December 1867, in an upstairs room in the Canterbury Provincial Chambers, German explorer, Sir Julius von Haast put his personal collections of geological finds on display, in what would become known as the Canterbury Museum. In his role of Provincial Geologist and Surveyor General, Julius explored the great rivers of Canterbury; drawing maps …

Benjamin Mountfort Became Provincial Architect – 1864

Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort stepped off the Canterbury Association’s first ship, the ‘Charlotte Jane’ full of ambition and cathedral-sized dreams! Unfortunately for him, Christchurch was nowhere ready for an architect, as experienced as he was. He made his living by selling stationery and giving drawing lessons. In the late 1850’s Benjamin went into architectural business with …

Canterbury’s Oldest Surviving Original Church Is Built – 1854

In 1854, Canterbury’s oldest surviving original church, St Bartholomew’s of Kaiapoi is built on Cass Street – named after early surveyor, Thomas Cass. Although the church has had upgrades and additions over the years, some of its structure still dates back to 1854. It was designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort, the architect behind the Canterbury …