Public Art In Central Christchurch - Christchurch Art Gallery

Industry and ConcordCategory : SculptureTitle : Industry and ConcordPrimary artist(s) : George Frampton (later Sir),(1860-1928)Execution date : c1882Media : TerracottaApproximate dimensions : h 1.37m (x2)Location : Canterbury Information buildingSetting : Set into the alcoves of the building on theSouth wallOwner / administrator : Christchurch CityCouncilIndustry and Concord grace the alcoves on the southern facade of the Canterbury Information Centre.The building, originally the Council Municipal Chambers, was opened in 1887, and constructed from thedesigns of Samuel Hurst Seager.Five years earlier Christchurch was host to an international exhibition. The 1882 exhibition was a privateventure organised by M. Jules Jourbert and R.E.N Twopeny. Temporary buildings were erected in HagleyPark to house the exhibits that had been gathered from various countries. During the fourteen weeks thatthe exhibition was open, many of the art works were sold to local collectors. Industry and Concord, theterracotta figures created by George Frampton, were bought by the Council at a cost of £20.George Frampton was an English sculptor and member of the Royal Academy where he exhibited from1884. Frampton is well known for his sculpture Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. Throughout hiscareer Frampton produced portrait and figure subjects, as well as memorials and reliefs in a wide rangeof materials.The figures Industry and Concord were created while Frampton was in his early twenties. The twofigures, representing harmony in the affairs of state and the virtues of utilitarian enterprise were viewedas an appropriate inclusion in Council’s Municipal Chambers building.