Before the age of computers, Art History lecturers had to be creative with their resources. Instead of putting images of artworks or pieces of architecture on projector screens, the images were glued to large display cards; however; this often failed to show the personality of the work in question.
One of the ways around this was the use of stereoscopes. This device allowed the user to see two near identical images, taken from slightly different angles, which tricks the mind into seeing them as a single 3D image.
Recently, the collection team came across a collection of stereoscope slides of architectural design originally owned by former Art History lecturer, Samuel Hurst Seager, who was a notable architect of the early 20th century.
Hurst Seagar was known for pioneering the New Zealand Bungalow and designing the Sign of the Packhorse, Sign of the Bellbird, and Sign of the Kiwi. He was also closely connected with the development of Canterbury College during the same period.
Hurst Seager began as a lecturer of architecture and decorative design (1893-1918), but then also became a member of the board of governors (1910-1919) and one of the College’s architects.
As the College expanded, more buildings were added to the site, but these were often not big enough and had to be extended. Due to his passion for architecture, Hurst Seager was a natural choice for the project.
His first project was to design one such addition to the School of Art in 1901. His other major project was to unify the buildings around the north quod, which had all been built at different times.
To achieve this, he proposed a series of cloisters to be built around the north quod, connecting the library to the other buildings.
It is amazing to see how such an integral part of the development of the original Canterbury College site is reflected in the tools Hurst Seager used to teach his students.
Amy Boswell-Hore, collection technician amy.boswell-hore@canterbury.ac.nz
Natalie Looyer, collection technician natalie.looyer@canterbury.ac.nz
