Chamber Gallery Rangiora is a dedicated non profit Art space and Chamber Music venue. Established in 1997 by The Waimakariri Community Arts Council; the gallery hosts vibrant exhibitions and concerts throughout the year for the benefit of the Waimakariri, and wider Waitaha Canterbury communities
ABOUT US
ORIGINS
The Chamber Gallery is the only remaining example of Fredrick John Barlow's legacy.
Rangiora Borough Council
The buiding was constructed on the original site of the first wooden structure .
Architect Frederick John Barlow
Barlow was born in Christchurch. After a stint in Melbourne andGeelong, he returned to established his firm. 1, 2.
Tonks Norton Building 1900
The Tonkins Building on Hereford Street was at the time considered the most handsome building in New Zealand. Features of Barlow's architectural style included “elements of classicism handled with restraint and some individuality." 2
Tepid Baths
Barlow's design for the Tepid Baths was characteristic, especially in his use of brick. He offered a “clearly outlined form punctuated by crisply detailed door and window openings rendered with cement trim." 2
The New Zealand Art Gallery for Christchurch Great Exhibition 1906
Barlow design the Machinery Hall and Art Galleries for the Christchurch Great Exhibition in 1906. 3
Rangiora Borough Council 1906
"The building was almost threatened with demolition, but it was retained by a narrow vote of the Council in favour of incorporating it into the new library building and using the space as an art gallery. The Trevor Inch Memorial Library opened in 1997 and since then the Chamber Gallery has been used as a gallery for art exhibitions and concerts put on by the Waimakariri Community Arts Council." 6
The building was given landmark status in 2014.
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Referene and further reading
Paperspast Obitutary for Barlow Timaru Hearld
McEwan, A. “Forgotten architect’s work”, New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Nov. 1997, no. 66, pg. 41
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Exhibitions/1906/Buildings/ArtGallery/
https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d3-d32-d4.html
https://canterburystories.nz/collections/archives/med/med-historical-photographs/ccl-cs-8135
https://landmarks.waimakariri.govt.nz/rangiora-heritage/council-chambers