Selfie, 1977
In the mid-70s, as a teenager at a boarding school in Christchurch, I was obsessed with photography. On weekends, I'd escape to the city centre and spend hours in Cathedral Square, capturing everyday moments—people hurrying to work, friends meeting on benches, shoppers resting, and buses coming and going. 50 years later, I’m revisiting those images, curious about the stories and memories they might uncover.
Photography has remained a big part of my life, including two decades as my work. While my equipment and skills have evolved, those early photos still feel like an unfinished project. Many of the original negatives were never printed, so I’ve been rediscovering and curating them—a window into life in Christchurch’s heart half a century ago.
How to bring the Square full circle?
I've spent time down there lately with my camera. I planned to spend time re photographing the Square and hopefully collate a series of old and new, but I find it frustrating; it's such a disjointed space now. Nothing makes sense any more. Over a decade later the Cathedral rebuild has paused; beautiful new buildings like Te Pae intermingle with tagged ruins. It's sad watching tourist groups meandering through here, unaware of the life formerly held.
I would love to meet people who remember Cathedral Square when it still was the bustling city centre. It’s a simple idea: we could start with a coffee, look through some of the old photos, and see what memories emerge. If you’re comfortable, I’d like to photograph, in a place that feels meaningful to you—your home, garden, or maybe back in the city centre. This project isn’t just about how the city has changed—it’s about how our stories have unfolded.
This personal project grew from wondering about the people who passed through my viewfinder when I was that young, photography-obsessed kid. If Cathedral Square was part of your story in the 70s, I’d love to hear your memories. The approach is informal and conversational—just sharing stories about a place that connected us all.
Are you interested in being part of this project? I would like to meet, hear your stories about the Square, and make a portrait of you wherever you like. Just fill in the form below and I'll be in touch.
Hopefully this project will be a meaningful contribution the the history of Christchurch.
Thank you! #I'll be in touch soon.
