Amongst the modern buildings in Christchurch that sprung up after the devastating earthquakes took down their older counterparts stands the beautiful and imposing structure of the Christchurch Art Centre.
We enjoyed learning some of the history of The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora site, formerly used by Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury), and Christchurch Boys’ and Christchurch Girls’ High Schools. There are 23 buildings on site, of which 22 are listed by Heritage New Zealand with 21 categorized as Historic Place Category One.
I kid you not, we felt a bit like we were entering Hogwarts. Come check it out!
Gathering around to listen to our guide tell us a bit of the history of this well known school.
We would consider this a high school in the USA - College is what it is called in New Zealand, and after this off to University they go.
And in we go!
The University of Canterbury was founded in 1873. It moved in 1876 to the gracious 19th century Gothic-styled buildings (which now comprise the Arts Centre).
The first thing I notice of course is floors!
Gorgeous floors!
Be still my heart!
And one more.
There is something about stars!
We wandered courtyards - beautiful!
There were some folks milling around, but school was still on summer holidays and wouldn't start back up for a few more weeks.
Some of these buildings originally housed Canterbury College’s School of Engineering – the most advanced engineering school in the British Empire.
Entering the Great Hall.
The smell of old wood in here - marvelous!
From what our guide told us there are often musical performances in this space - and he quite enjoys coming into downtown, grabbing a bite to eat and then enjoying some live music here, be it a quartet, or pianist or whatever is on for the evening.
Gorgeous stained glass -
Map telling us who was who.
The bright sunshine outside made it hard to photograph the windows - but they are truly beautiful.
Every great hall needs a massive fireplace!
What did the great hall look like in 1882?
More courtyard.
This was such a cool place.
Fountain across the street.
Summer in New Zealand!
The botanical gardens are just across the way, and the gardens are so beautiful this time of year.
The colors and textures are a delight for the eyes!
From every angle.
Some of my group milling around.
I miss these folks!
The periwinkle blue of hydrangeas -
Could it be this color that inspired my border choice on my Oopsie Daisie top finish?
One more tiled pavement -
And a cute photo of Don and Pam from Florida.
So much fun having them on this trip!
And our walking tour continued on from here.
It really was MARVELOUS! I love to travel to different places and see how other folks live their day to day lives.
We have loads of opportunity coming up.
Ireland/Scotland in June. Kenya is coming up in September! This is a repeat tour (as is Ireland) as it is so fabulous everyone asks when I'm going back as they want to come too. We finish up 2024 with Christmastime in England.
England is currently full, but there is a waiting list I would get on if you want to come.
In January 2025 we'll go escape more winter by heading to Australia! Tour details will be up on that soon.
Visit my Craftours Page with all of my tours in one place!
Back in the QPO Studio:
Who recognizes this print or selvage??
Cranston Printworks Company, Millworth Fabrics USA
I pieced a back for my Oopsie Daisie out of light colored florals - clearing a bit more of the "Where did this come from??" bin of stuff.
It looks like spring!
That windows with roses print looks upside down in this photo but it won't be on the back of the quilt.
It's directional and a fairly large print and I'm not sure how I would use it otherwise. (That's how I know I didn't buy it! LOL!)
Another VIP piece at the upper left.
I love pieced backings and this easily took another 6 yards out of the lesser loved stash and gave them purpose.
I got started on the quilting yesterday -
Today we'll hopefully finish it up!
The Winter Cardinal PDF pattern release including Star of Hope is going great guns -Thank you, everyone!
If you missed it, click over to Friday's Post to read all about it and add yourself to the Gift-Away.
Indigo Way is also now available as a PDF pattern booklet!
What do you have going for your Valentine's Day Wednesday?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
And more fabric doesn't hurt either!
Double pink, red and cheddar? Be still my heart!
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
<3 to all on this Valentine's Day.. book club mtg at 11:00.. otherwise, the day is mine to do what makes my heart sing, and i wish that for all y'all. singing hearts... LOL sounds like the name of a quilt!!.... Cats in Carlsbad CA
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day to you as well. What a wonderful trip. Loved all the pictures and information. Wish I could travel to all those places. Inner ear won't let me. Able to see them through your experiences. Thank you. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I have some of the VIP fabric with the blue and pink pansies. One might think the builders of Christ College consulted with you, Bonnie, in designing the floors.
ReplyDeleteI see a quilt inspiration in those floors. Christ College is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe were married on Feb 4 (47 yrs!), so don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. OopsieDaisy looks fun!
ReplyDeleteChrist's College pictures were remarkable! Those floors, stained glass windows, flowers...WOW!
ReplyDeleteSo what was the answer to the "where do the girls go" question?
ReplyDeleteCeci
Yes, do tell! Happy Valentines Day to all, love yourself first, then spread it around.
DeleteHi Ceci & Joan E, there are 4 independent high schools in Christchurch. Christ's College is a boys' school. Two of the others are just for girls (Rangi Ruru and St Margarets) and one co-ed which is St Andrews.
DeleteThe vintage quilt behind today's quote makes me think of Starburst candy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour of the college, what a beautiful and historic place, love all the detail work that will never be part of a new building. Love the gardens too, so fun to see what grows in other parts of the world! Happy Sewing!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! I have that tan w/purple and red flowered fabric that you used on the back of your Oopsie Daisy. It is one of my favorite and hoarded fabrics! Those floors were amazing. I can imagine a bit of designing happening after those images. I loved the stained glass windows. I bet, in person, they were awe inspiring. You are so good to share all this with us. Did you ever find out what the girl ecucation equivalent is for the girls?
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day. Thank you Bonnie for all you do for us. I love your pictures of your travels, and your critters, and the fuzzy ponies, and the old houses, barns. I want to live at Quiltville! You're such a great quilter! I see at least 3 quilts coming out of Christchurch.
ReplyDeleteOoooh! Quilt blocks on tile floors! Wonderful. Thanks for the pics. ❤😁
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's day. I see inspiration for future quilts in those tile floors. Iceland is on my list of places to visit. Keep sharing all the pix. Love to see them.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in New Zealand, we lived across the street from a girl's academy called Craighead. Boys and girls all wear uniforms all the way through. Boys wear short pants until they are in high school. All this applies even in public schools.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day, Bonnie! Yes, I recognized the fabric name of Cranston Prints in the selvedge. I loved buying and using these fabrics in the 60's 70's. They were small prints/calicos. Thank you for all you do!
ReplyDeleteThe very first floor picture looks like a quilt pattern to me. Love love the double pink red and “chedda”! Fran in Pa
ReplyDeleteThe girls equivalent in Christchurch would probably be Rangi Ruru Girls High. Not quite as old, but same mix of day/boarding students with grade 1 listed historic buildings.
ReplyDeleteI use the brave browser and I copied it and told the browser to search for that company. they have closed however fabric can be found in different places. Ebay, Amazon and antique fabrics.com I think.
ReplyDeleteThose Floors!!! LOVE them!
ReplyDelete