This adorable little building is Shand’s Emporium. I remember it as a magical place packed floor to ceiling with antiques, collectables, jewellery and books. Built in 1860, it is one of Christchurch’s oldest commercial buildings. It was meant to be demolished in the late 1970s (to make way for a new telephone exchange) but was saved by petition and while the more modern buildings surrounding it have been taken out by earthquakes, somehow Shand’s has survived. It has had some repairs since then but it needs an estimated $250,000 to fully restore it. The building is going to be relocated to prevent it from being damaged by nearby construction work. The owner is, in fact, giving the building away in an attempt to preserve it ― and yes, I was a little bit tempted, but I didn’t think we’d get it down our driveway. Shand’s will probably be in its new home by Christmas.
P.S. There are plans to move Shand’s to the delightful suburb of Redcliffs (by the estuary) early next year. It has been reported that a local man is prepared to spend the best part of a year restoring the building ― although it will depend on the city council’s master plan for the area. Here’s hoping this story has a happy ending. December 2013
Update: Shand’s Emporium touches down on Manchester Street, Christchurch. June 2015
The sketch is originally from this student project (click on the link and scroll down). The photographs were taken last month. Ben Heine’s ingenious Pencil Vs Camera images were my inspiration. This is my third ‘pen vs earthquake’ ― below are links to the first two.
Pen vs earthquake #1 – Mona Vale, 2013
Pen vs earthquake #2 – The Octagon, Design & Arts College and the Hotel Grand Chancellor, 2013
Anna Cull ~ Art & Music 
What a lovely and charming looking building – and clearly very sturdy! Your sketch is lovely and charming too 🙂
Thank you, Pippin. Yes, it seems that if you want your building to survive an earthquake (as opposed to, say, a big bad wolf), wood is a sturdier material than brick. Live and learn.
You gave me goosebumps, Anna! I love your pen vs earthquake series. But this drawing/photo is particularly beautiful. Its contrast with starkness of the devastation around it and the context of the backstory – which you told so tenderly – make it truly arresting.
Thanks, Psyren. Decked out in red and green, it’s going to make a fabulous Christmas present for someone this year. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
Oh! I remember that shop! They had so many treasures! I’m glad it’s still standing, even amongst the devestation 😦
Yep, still standing. I’ll post an update (or a P.S.) when Shand’s moves to its new home.
I like this series – the drawings capture so much.
Elephant
Thanks, Elephant. I’ll be posting another one in the series next week: the sad tale of an iconic band rotunda.
Feisty, indeed! Great sketch and photo. The contrast with the razed surroundings is startling. I guess it’s true, “they just don’t make ’em like they used to.” Great story about the preservation efforts, too!
Thanks, Camilla. Yes, it’s not every day that a building like this is given away to a good home! I wonder where it will end up?