Edmonds' Clock Tower
The Edmonds' Clock Tower was built in 1929 as part of the River Bank Improvement Scheme with contributions made by Thomas Edmonds.
In 1929, to celebrate fifty years of living in Christchurch, Thomas J. Edmonds (1858-1932), the founder of Edmonds' Baking Powder, financed the construction of a clock tower and telephone cabinet as part of his River Bank Improvement Scheme. The site chosen for both of them was originally the intersection of Madras Street, Chester Street and Oxford Terrace.
Both structures were designed by Francis Willis, and constructed by the Rennell Brothers. The sculptor was William Thomas Tretheway, who was also responsible for the statue of Captain Cook in Victoria Square.
The foundation stone was laid on 26 September 1929, on the same day as the unveiling of the foundation stones for the nearby Radiant Hall and the Thomas Edmonds’ Band Rotunda.
The stone used in the construction of the clock tower came from Halswell, Rakaia Gorge, Glenmore, Otira Gorge, Lake Kaniere, Heathcote Valley, Buller Gorge, Banks Peninsula, Connemara in Ireland and the Vatican, while Oamaru stone was used for the facing.
The clock faces are found on the eastern and western facades of the clock tower, while the northern and southern facades feature medallions displaying Father Time, who resembles Thomas Edmonds, styled as a Roman Emperor.
On each side is a band featuring one of the four words: Faith, Hope, Peace, Charity. Situated between these, at each corner, are four gargoyles holding lights in their mouths.
Although the Edmonds' Clock Tower was damaged during the 2010-2011 earthquakes, it underwent repairs during 2013-2015.
Edmonds' Telephone Cabinet
The Edmonds' Telephone Cabinet at Poplars Reserve on Chester Street East. Also visible is the Edmonds' Clock Tower.
Edmonds' Clock Tower
Edmonds' Clock Tower on Madras Street. To the east is the corner of Madras Street and Chester Street East.
Clock tower and telephone cabinet
The Edmonds' Clock Tower and the Edmonds' Telephone Cabinet in Poplars Reserve.
Southern facade of Edmonds' Clock Tower
Fencing and cones at the southern facade of the Edmonds' Clock Tower in Poplar Reserve. To the east is Madras Street.
Chester Street East, 11 October 2015
The Edmonds' Clock Tower in Poplars Reserve as seen from the corner with Madras Street.
Damaged Edmonds' Clock Tower
Earthquake damage to Edmonds' Clock Tower on Madras Street.
Damaged Edmonds' Clock Tower
The earthquake damaged Edmonds' Clock Tower on Madras Street.
Fencing around Edmonds' Clock Tower
Fencing around Edmonds' Clock Tower on Madras Street.
Decorative electric lamps on Oxford Terrace
Oxford Terrace looking eastward towards the corner with Madras Street. Also visible are the Thomas Edmonds clock tower and the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church.
Decorative street lamps on Oxford Terrace
Decorative street lamps on Oxford Terrace, looking east towards Manchester Street.
North east from the top of destructor chimney
View from the top of the Municipal Electricity Department destructor chimney on Armagh Street looking north east towards the intersection of Oxford Terrace and Madras Street along the Avon River with...