Rare Modernist Light Shades for St Martin's Church by Ernst Plischke
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Celebrated Austrian Architect Ernst Anton Plischke was a leading proponent in the modernist "Neues Bauen" (New Construction) movement, before fleeing to New Zealand in 1939 as a refugee from Nazism. Fortunately for New Zealand, Plischke was not only a talented architect but also an accomplished writer and furniture designer. Plischke's legacy in New Zealand includes some of the most inspired public and private architectural works of the 1940s and 50s.
In 1953 the roughly 100 member Presbyterian congregation at St Martins in Christchurch decided to build a new church and chose Plischke as the architect. The original design was to be an impressive modernist building with high walls and a flat roof. Unfortunately budget restrictions required a significant revision to the plan and a more humble structure emerged.
St Martins Presbyterian Church was opened in 1957 and is considered a fine example of the modernist church architecture Plischke designed during his time in New Zealand. After the 2010 earthquakes the church was closed for strengthening and many of the original Plischke designed fittings, including these lamp shades, were removed and replaced.
This lamp shade is also in the permanent collection of Te Papa.
NOTE: Price is per shade, we have two available.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Rare Modernist Light Shades for St Martin's Church by Ernst Plischke
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
In his home country of Austria Ernst Anton Plischke was a leading proponent in the modernist "Neues Bauen" (New Construction) movement before fleeing to New Zealand in 1939 as a refugee from Nazism. Plishke was not only a talented architect but also an accomplished writer and furniture designer. His legacy includes some of the most inspired public and private architectural works throughout New Zealand in the 1940s and 50s.
From large scale projects such as Wellington's first modern skyscraper, the glass-curtain fronted Massey House, to quaint churches such as St Mary's chapel in Taihape, Plishke has left an enduring reminder of the international modern style. Since Plischke's death in 1992, his reputation has continued to grow in both New Zealand and Austria.
Throughout Plischke’s years of practice in New Zealand, his wife Anna Plischke worked alongside him, her landscape designs complementing many of his houses. Of his early European designs, today many are protected as landmark modernist buildings and his exceedingly rare furniture has become highly coveted internationally.
/ Thanks to: The Importance of Being Ernst by Gregory O'Brien - NZ Historic Places Trust
