Oct 15, 2008

Christchurch Modernist Architecture


Matt Arnold's Website development team at Sons & Co. are the latest occupants of Diederik van Heyningen's 1965 Photographic Studio at 207 Cambridge Terrace (between Colombo and Manchester Streets). Their commercial premises are a classic example of post-war modernist architecture and it therefore comes as no particular surprise to learn that they've published an interesting web site devoted to our domestic architecture of the Modernist period.

The site covers architectural design from the 1940s to the 1980s and includes biographical articles of such renowned local Architects as Paul Pascoe, Peter Beaven, Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney.

Above is a photograph of the 1961 home of the renowned Christchurch artist W. A. (Bill) Sutton (1917-2000). Yet to be included in the web site's comprehensive listing of outstanding examples of the period, the Sutton house at 20 Templar Street, Richmond could be a worthy addition.

The Christchurch Modern web site opens in a new window

An RSS feed is also available for site updates.


Comment by Matt.  January 9, 2009.

The building was originally designed for Mannering & Associates by Warren and Mahoney as a purpose-built photographic studio in 1965. Warren and Mahoney celebrated the opening of the Town Hall there in 1972 as the studio looks right across Colombo St. It's not in great condition and the original white has been painted over, but a great building nonetheless and under the threat of development.

Comment by Canterbury Heritage.  January 10, 2009.

By 1951 the 29 year-old photographer Guy Miles Mannering and his partner Keith Donaldson had purchased the Clifford Studios at 115 Cashel Street. Henry Herbert Clifford (1872-1949) had first opened his studio in 1903, but is probably more remembered as being the husband of the notorious "Ma" Clifford, an immensley wealthy racketeer Landlord.

Renamed as the Mannering & Donaldson Studios they specialised in Studio, Commercial, Industrial & Candid photography at the Cashel Street premises, which was situated above the bookshop of Whitcombe and Tombs (now the Whitcoulls Building) until 1965.

Mannering and Associates Ltd had moved from 207 Cambridge Terrace to 14 Stanley Street, Sydenham by 2001. The renowned Guy  Mannering died in 2003 at the age of eighty.

The original Cashel Street premises had also been occupied by the Photographic Engravers T. E. Warren and Company. Accordingly, there may have been a degree of kinship between Guy Miles Mannering and Sir (Frederick) Miles Warren, architect of the Cambridge Terrace Studio.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The building was originally designed for Mannering & Associates by Warren and Mahoney as a purpose-built photographic studio in 1965. Warren and Mahoney celebrated the opening of the Town Hall there in 1972 as the studio looks right across Colombo St. It's not in great condition and the original white has been painted over, but a great building nonetheless and under the threat of development.

Marcus Castell said...

By 1951 the 29 year-old photographer Guy Miles Mannering and his partner Keith Donaldson had purchased the Clifford Studios at 115 Cashel Street. Henry Herbert Clifford (1872-1949) had first opened his studio in 1903, but is probably more remembered as being the husband of the notorious "Ma" Clifford, an immensley wealthy racketeer Landlord.

Renamed as the Mannering & Donaldson Studios they specialised in Studio, Commercial, Industrial & Candid photography at the Cashel Street premises, which was situated above the bookshop of Whitcombe and Tombs (now the Whitcoulls Building) until 1965.

Mannering and Associates Ltd had moved from 207 Cambridge Terrace to 14 Stanley Street, Sydenham by 2001. The renowned Guy Mannering died in 2003 at the age of eighty.

The original Cashel Street premises had also been occupied by the Photographic Engravers T. E. Warren and Company. Accordingly, there may have been a degree of kinship between Guy Miles Mannering and Sir (Frederick) Miles Warren, architect of the Cambridge Terrace Studio.

Anonymous said...

Assuming Donaldson is still alive or that someone owns the copyright of Mannering & Donaldson photos, is there anyone who could help me contact Mr. Donaldson for permission to reproduce one of his photos for a book about to be published by the U. of Melbourne Press of the conductor, John Hopkins. This book is a memoir which I have helped Mr. Hopkins write, and not for profit. The photo is of Mr. Hopkins conducting at Christchurch.

Best Regards

Will Cottam

Marcus Castell said...

Keith Donaldson may still be alive, but as it's 58 years since he began commercial photography, he would have to be in his eighties by now.

The former partnership is still very much in business as Mannering & Associates and is now owned by Murray Irwin. His contact details are as follows:

Mannering & Associates Ltd.
Unit 2
308 Wilsons Road
Waltham
Christchurch
New Zealand

phone +64 3 366 1176
mobile 027 433 7281
email murray@manneringphoto.co.nz

Jacky said...

Hello,

T. E. Warren - Thomas Edward Warren - was the eldest son of James and Ellen Warren.

He died 22 Sep 1935 and is buried in Linwood Cemetery with his brother Alfred. His occupation listed as Photo Engraver. He was married twice but had no children.

From the research to date no one has connected this Warren family (who came over from Penzance, Cornwell approx 1870s) with the family of Frederick or Miles Warren's family.

RE the possible connection above would be interested if anyone has anymore info on this.

invitations wedding said...

Great architecture..Very impressive..Love the design it's very unique and classic..

Jhoanne said...

Great collection of modern houses in Christchurch! I'd rather visit the website for information on their classes and events.

Lydia -- "Replacing Zippers"