Chalice to undergo restoration

Christchurch’s iconic Chalice will undergo its first ever complete restoration since taking up residence in Whiti-reia Cathedral Square in 2001.

The artwork, which was commissioned to celebrate the Millennium and the 150 Anniversary of Canterbury, needs a complete re-paint and for some areas of corrosion to be fixed.

Director Botanic Gardens and Garden Parks Wolfgang Bopp says the restoration is starting this week.

“The work involves a repaint of the artwork including the aluminium leaves and hexagonal steel cone structure they sit on.”

The aluminium leaves will be removed from the steel cone structure and taken to contractor Hendriks Son and Daughter Ltd worksite for restoration and painting. A scaffold will be erected around the steel frame onsite, which will be surrounded in wrap to minimise dust and weather impacts.

Existing lighting focussed on the structure is being changed to LEDs, in line with the Council’s energy-efficient lighting initiative.

Sculptor Neil Dawson, who created the 18-metre-high Chalice, is thrilled the sculpture has stood firm since being installed and has continued to be a positive and useful symbol for the City. 

“I'm pleased that it is having a repaint and spruce up. It has required minimal maintenance and upkeep in its first quarter century, this will ensure the same for the next." 

The restoration is hoped to be completed by July 2025, with a budget of $400,000 allocated for the project.