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Story: City images

Napier renaissance

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Napier renaissance

In 1931 Napier experienced a devastating earthquake and fire that destroyed the central city. Roland Hipkins' work 'Renaissance' (1932) depicts the aftermath: the sprouting tree fern by the ruined cathedral and the new art deco buildings symbolise renewal.

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by Roland Hipkins

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How to cite this page

Ben Schrader, City images – The city in art, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/25358/napier-renaissance (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ben Schrader, published 3 March 2010.