We all know that fish oil is great for our skin and hair but does the use of whale oil tickle your moral compass? It was utilised for many household purposes during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries and … Continue reading →
Today’s blog was inspired by three pharmaceutical bottles that aroused my curiosity and gave me the perfect excuse to talk about a few 19th century chemists in Christchurch… I came across the first small glass fragment in an assemblage from … Continue reading →
Living in Christchurch, I am grateful for many things, especially the quality of the tap water. In Christchurch we are very lucky because our tap water is of such purity that it doesn’t need to be treated with chlorine like … Continue reading →
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man or woman in possession of natural body odour is most definitely in want of something to cover it up. At least, in today’s society, it certainly seems to be considered unacceptable … Continue reading →
Late in 2014 we were contacted by contractors working on a rebuild project in Christchurch’s city centre. It was reported that a number of bottles had been uncovered during routine earthworks and the area cordoned off until our arrival. The bottles … Continue reading →
A PDF copy of a handwritten journal kept by Robin Robins, documenting the repair work on his earthquake-damaged home between November 2012 and April 2017. Note that some personal information has been redacted from this document.
What would we do without glue? Well, it’s estimated that each person in U.S.A and the U.K. uses 18.2kgs of glue annually. I’m probably more of a Sellotape/Blu-Tack person myself, but those statistics sound impressive! The development of commercial synthetic … Continue reading →
This week we’re delving into the seedier side of the life in early Christchurch with the story of the Standard Hotel, an establishment that found itself on the fringes of Victorian respectability during its short existence in the 1860s. At … Continue reading →
One of the most commonly assumed facts about archaeologists (aside from our ability to have adventures, look good in a fedora and be surprisingly skilful with a whip), is that we can look at an object and know how old … Continue reading →
A PDF copy of two images from All Right? that target residents of Waimakariri District. The images read, "What makes Waimak feel All Right? Share your idea at allright.org.nz".
A PDF copy of the design for the 'Canterbury Rollercoaster' poster that was available from the All Right? website. The 'Canterbury Rollercoaster' was designed to raise awareness about emotional literacy in Canterbury.
A PDF copy of the designs for the 'Canterbury Rollercoaster' fridge magnets that were available from the All Right? website. The 'Canterbury Rollercoaster' was designed to raise awareness about emotional literacy in Canterbury.
As the study of human history, it comes as no surprise that archaeology can be an exercise in contradictions. Humans are, after all, complex and paradoxical creatures. From a material culture perspective, one of the most obvious and frustrating incongruities … Continue reading →
Continuing on from last week’s blog, today’s post takes a look (or a sniff, if you will) at the aromas of everyday life inside a Victorian house. Smell is such an intrinsic part of human life, yet so fleeting that it … Continue reading →
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been excavating a site in the CBD that’s yielded some of the most interesting artefacts we’ve see for a while. So, today on the blog, we’ve selected a few of these fascinating things for … Continue reading →
Imagine, if you will, that you were born in 1870. Your parents are colonists who journeyed to Christchurch to build a new life for themselves and their family. They’re not rich, but you live comfortably enough in this new country. … Continue reading →
From Staffordshire pottery to American made glass-ware, we’ve come across artefacts from all over the world on archaeological sites here in Christchurch. This prevalence of internationally made artefacts, and what it means for the city’s history, is something that’s come … Continue reading ...
The first feeling that strikes everyone on coming to New Zealand is its intense want of animal life. Mountains, plains, rivers, – mere features without a soul; for you can hardly dignify the miserable ground lark, the wailing weka, or … Continue reading →
Photograph captioned, "I'll have mixed feelings when I leave. I'll be sad to go - and sad to see my house go. But I hope it'll be a good feeling once it's over. I'll be pleased to get to that stage and feel like I'm finally moving on".
A PDF copy of page 124 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The page documents the transitional project 'Plume'. Note that images have been removed from the page for copyright reasons.
A PDF copy of two posters created for Matariki 2015 and promoting the All Right app. Each poster reads, "Celebrate Matariki by doing more of the little things that make a difference.
A plan which provides SCIRT with clear direction and guidelines regarding communication in the event of a crisis. The first version of this plan was produced on 1 December 2013. Note that personal details of key personnel have been removed from this document.
A photograph captioned, "In the 1930s the traffic in Gayhurst Road was so light that I can remember playing hockey and cricket with apple boxes for wickets. If a car or cart came along there was plenty of time to shift the boxes to let them past".
A PDF copy of a 'Live Brighter' poster design. It reads, "Connection or distraction? Live Brighter." 'Live Brighter' was an All Right? campaign to encourage happier, healthier behaviours and lifestyles that began in 2016.
A plan which outlines the function, roles and responsibilities of SCIRT during an emergency event affecting SCIRT construction works. The first version of this plan was produced on 30 April 2012. Note that personal details of key personnel have been removed from this document.
A PDF copy of eight flag designs that were placed around Canterbury for phase 1 of the All Right? campaign. Both sides of each flag begins with the line, "It's all right...".
Earlier this year, we excavated a site on Armagh Street that revealed not only a large quantity of artefacts, but also a historical and material narrative set in the swampy bowels of a fledgling city, a tale of politics, commerce, … Continue reading →
A PDF copy of page 132 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The page documents the transitional project 'Hunters & Collectors Building'. Note that images have been removed from the page for copyright reasons.
A PDF copy of a billboard design from the All Right? 'Compliments' campaign. The billboard reads, "Your aroha really helps. Let's remember it's often the simple things that bring the most joy." The design also includes the web address of the All Right? Facebook page.
A PDF copy of a billboard design from the All Right? 'Compliments' campaign. The billboard reads, "You make the tough times better. Let's remember it's often the simple things that bring the most joy." The design also includes the web address of the All Right? Facebook page.