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Story: Photography

Alfred Barker's photo of Christchurch, 1859

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Alfred Barker's photo of Christchurch, 1859

Dr Alfred Barker was a skilled amateur photographer who recorded Christchurch's early development. In this photo from 1859, the provincial council buildings are captured mid-construction. The Avon River is in the foreground.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: O.039056

by Alfred Charles Barker

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Peter Ireland, Photography – Early photography, 1840–1880s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/43203/alfred-barkers-photo-of-christchurch-1859 (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Peter Ireland, published 4 November 2013.