Wendy Riley and Helen Solomons, creators of Lost Christchurch, pictured beside the Avon by the Antigua Boatsheds. Photo by Gina McKenzie, Mainland Press.
In response to the loss of our inner city of Christchurch, we were inspired to create this website, Lost Christchurch, as a freely accessible archive of photographs, social history and memories of Christchurch.
Its aim is not for commercial gain but a place which permits us to reluctantly bid farewell to the Christchurch that once was. It gives us the opportunity to grieve for and treasure the lost Victorian and Edwardian elegance, charm and irreplaceable ambiance which permeated every street.
This site is a place which we openly encourage you to contribute fitting memories and photographs of what has been lost. You may have stories and photographs from your family histories which are within the context of historical Christchurch. You may have photographs of the old buildings or important events which took place.
Through a blend of photographs, mementos and social commentary, we hope the site will become an ever increasing ‘vault’ of memories and a poignant celebration of what was old Christchurch.
This is a great opportunity to keep your photographs, stories and memories of Christchurch accessible and available for everyone to share and enjoy!