Architecture April
01 April 2022
Celebrating Macmillan Brown's architectural drawing treasures
This April we are celebrating the incredible Architectural drawing collection held in Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown | Macmillan Brown Library. With about 130,000 drawings, the collection is one of the largest in Aotearoa and features donations from notable architects such as Warren and Mahoney, Peter Beaven, Paul Pascoe, Don Donnithorne and the Armson Collins Architectural drawing collection that has been inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World New Zealand Documentary heritage register.
The drawings held cover more than a century and range from iconic Christchurch landmarks to humble bungalows and help paint a picture of our social history. The collection is available for use by students and staff of the University, as well as members of the external community such as engineers, heritage researchers and homeowners. Contact the Macmillan Brown Library for information on how to access this impressive collection.
Keep an eye out on how we dedicate this month to Macmillan Brown Library’s Architectural drawing collection. In the meantime, explore Kā Kohika and search a favourite local building, we might just hold the drawings for it!
Image references:
- Knox Presbyterian Church, proposed alterations and additions, C.B Wells Collection. MB2164, reference 156222
- The Press, perspective on new building, Armson Collins Architectural Drawing Collection. MB1418, reference 31564
- Holy Name Seminary, Armson Collins Architectural Drawing Collection. MB1418, reference 31074
- Library Tai Tapu, Cecil Wood Architectural Drawings. FD1616.0017.0001
- Canterbury College- Hydraulic Laboratory, Armson Collins Architectural Drawing Collection. MB1418, reference 158317
Macmillan Brown Library | Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown
Phone: +64 3 369 4499 (extn 94499)
Email: macbrown@libr.canterbury.ac.nz
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