B.
R.P. Moore rewards closer inspection
Behind the scenes
Mark Strange, an old friend, rang me in May to discuss a gift that he and his partner Lucy Alcock wished to make to the Gallery.
R.P. Moore Christchurch NZ 1923. No.1 (view of Christchurch city from the cathedral tower) 1923. Silver gelatin photographic print (contact print from the Cirkut camera negative). Presented by Mark Strange and Lucy Alcock, 2011
I have long admired the photographs of R.P. Moore—panoramic images, typically oak framed, dating from the 1920s. Mark has also been closely involved with Moore's work in his role as photograph conservator at the National Library. The Alexander Turnbull Library has a substantial holding of Moore's negatives, which Mark had worked on devotedly in preparation for a touring exhibition that opened at the National Library Gallery in 1995. This gift, a 1923 vintage print, is a beauty: a comprehensive view of the west side of Christchurch's Cathedral Square from the cathedral spire balcony. A poignant record of lost Christchurch architectural heritage, it also contains many fascinating details up close and at street level, which can be studied in super close-up here.
The online result is spectacular. To Mark and Lucy—thank you.
Related
Collection
Robert Percy Moore Christchurch NZ 1923. No.1 (View of Christchurch City from the Cathedral Tower)
R. P. Moore ascends the cathedral’s spire to put his swivelling Cirkut camera to its familiar task. Up the narrow spiral stone staircase, a breezy ladder, past the bells, he reaches the balcony with its clear view facing west. A heavy morning frost means it is cold; the coal smoke of home and office fires lend partial soft-focus to the view.
The Square below has a single horse carriage and thirteen motorcars neatly parked. A tram beside the Clarendon Hotel curves right towards the Square. Tram tracks cut sweeping lines in the frost. None below have noticed the elevated cameraman, who turns the switch. it's five past nine as the camera begins its mechanical roll.
(Above ground, 2015)