Ranfurly’s Art Deco originates from a series of disastrous and suspicious fires in the early 1930s which destroyed many of the town’s buildings.Ranfurly Art Deco
Ranfurly’s Art Deco originates from a series of disastrous and suspicious fires in the early 1930s which destroyed many of the town’s buildings.
Looking for a way to replace these buildings that was simple and inexpensive, local architects H. McDowell Smith and builders J.M. Mitchell and Sons hit upon the contmeporary Art Deco style of the Northern Hemisphere. The buildings were constructed of concrete, plaster or brick and were adorned with moulded embellishments, decorations and colours. They were to become the cornerstone of Ranfurly’s revival many years later.
Following the economic decline of the 1990s, the local community set up a workshop to look at ways to promote the town, and Edna McAtamney set in motion the idea of Ranfurly as a Rural Art Deco tourist destination.
The Centennial Milk Bar, destined for fire fighting practice, was the Art Deco Society’s first project. The derelict building was transformed with the help of volunteers into the Rural Art Deco Gallery filled with exhibits and memorabilia from the Maniototo area. With 44 Art Deco buildings, a library (1926), a store (1927), a hospital (1930), a hotel (1934) and various other buildings covering the period from 1930 to 1950, there is plenty for the Art Deco enthusiast to see.
The Ranfurly Art Deco Walk takes approximately 50 minutes and explores the unique architectural style of Ranfurly. Commencing at the Centennial Milk Bar just follow the numbers on the trail: all you will need is a camera and a good pair of walking shoes.