Join us in a celebration of the man who shaped Victorian Christchurch and designed Canterbury Museum's much-loved heritage buildings.
The architect, Benjamin Mountfort, was born 200 years ago on 13 March 1825. By the time of his death in 1898 he had become New Zealand’s most significant Gothic Revival architect and the one who, more than any other, shaped the architectural character of Victorian Christchurch. He designed some of the most important heritage buildings in Christchurch, including the Arts Centre, Christ Church Cathedral and the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
In this free talk to mark Mountfort's 200th birthday, art historian Ian Lochhead will explore his life, buildings and legacy. Ian will discuss some of Mountfort's best-known buildings as well as highlighting some that are more obscure but worth seeking out.
Dr Ian Lochhead taught Art History at the University of Canterbury from 1981 to 2014. His book, A Dream of Spires: Benjamin Mountfort and the Gothic Revival, was published by Canterbury University Press in 1999.
This event is brought to you by Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre