Art gallery

Press, 12 June 1989, Page 20

Art gallery

Sir, —I am forced to reply to W. A. Sutton’s letter criticising the idea of using the old Girls’ High School as an art gallery. We, the younger generation, derive great enjoyment from old architecture and old works of

art. Even old artists can raise a smile every now and then. Christchurch has a proud array of neo-Gothic architecture, rare to the Pacific rim from where our tourists come. Enhancement of this building and incorporation into the city’s cultural circuit would greatly add to the city’s regional uniqueness. It is a natural extension to the Law Courts, Arts Centre, Museum trail that our tourists now enjoy. Furthermore, its location, overlooking Cranmer Square, must be a bonus. Being midway between Victoria Square and Hagley Park, it is an extremely valuable site, but draws only peppercorn rents. Whilst it has the space to overcome all the gallery’s requirements (including parking), I do not think it can be ignored. Admittedly, the building will need touching up, but its beauty cannot be denied. It is amazing what an imaginative architect can do with old buildings. Just look across the square to the award-winning Cranmer Courts. I think we can do it again. —

Yours, etc., B. JOHNSON. June 3, 1989.