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Arthur Bendigo Hurst (NZ, 1890-1964).

Napier Earthquake [Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand]

1931. Eleven vintage silver gelatin photographs, one dated “3.2.1931”, most images captioned and numbered with photographer’s line in negative lower left to right, 7.9 x 13.1cm (approx. each). Stains, minor paper remnants, chips or indentations.

Captions read 1). Napier earthquake. Panorama after fire; 2). Napier earthquake. Havoc in Emerson St; 3). Napier quake. Emerson St afire; 4). Dr Moore’s Hospital, Napier quake; 5). Shattered road, Napier quake; 6). Napier Hospital after quake; 7). Napier quake, fire starts in Hastings St; 8). Napier earthquake. Opera house (destroyed); 9). Napier quake, view from old post office; 10). Napier quake. Hastings St from post office; 11). [Fireman walking out of rubble].

In February of 1931 the city of Napier on New Zealand’s North Island experienced a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which levelled the region. Four Napier architectural firms “banded together after the earthquake to share facilities and create a united front for the rebuilding task.” The Art Deco style was chosen not only for fashion, but as a “safe and economical choice. The new concrete buildings were more resistant to earthquakes and fire, materials were cheap and the stucco relief ornaments typical of Art Deco offered a less costly form of decoration.” Napier is now known for its unique concentration of Art Deco architecture. Ref: Wiki; NZ Tourism.

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Item #CL194-135

Price (AUD): $2,950.00  other currencies