"Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral."
Robert Louis Stevenson
When the 22nd of February 2011 earthquake struck and the Cathedral in the Square was no longer accessible, the Diocese of Christchurch lost its mother church and the people of Canterbury lost a beloved symbol of their province. In the words of former Dean Peter Beck, it had always been a place ‘where the city comes to celebrate and to grieve’.
The Cardboard Cathedral project captured the imagination of many, nationally and internationally. The building slowly rose, put together step by step, tube by tube, day by day – the handwork of those who believed in the idea.
As I documented the build, I sought to capture something of the hard work and humanity going into its construction; the materials, the technology and the people involved.
The site manager, Murray Flett, kept me fully informed every step of the way, day and night. He introduced me to all the key players and kept me safe.
I would also like to warmly thank the following people and organisations for generously allowing me access to do my job and especially for the elegance and natural unselfconsciousness of the photographic models!
Bridgit Anderson
2015
