SAVE McLEAN'S MANSION

Here's a great opportunity to raise much-needed funds for the restoration and have some fun along the way.

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Sign up now by paying $10/person (why not book a table of 6) to the McLean's Mansion bank account: 38 9019 0689849 00.

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Include your name and "quiz" as the reference - job done. 

See you on the night.

Mark your diaries now! The Christchurch Heritage Festival is being held from 24 Oct - 8 Nov and members of the McLean's Mansion Fundraising Group will be on site, Shops 9 & 10, Cathedral Junction, from 10am – 4pm each day. Come along and check out the comprehensive and engaging expo. This event is a fundraiser for the restoration of McLean's Mansion, by way of donation and/or purchase of merchandise. Free entry.

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See more here.

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11 October 2020

Please join us at Moon Under Water on 3 October to help raise funds for the restoration of the Mansion, and enjoy a social time with like-minded Friends of the project at the same time.

We look forward to seeing you there! 

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18 September 2020

A partial model of the Mansion has recently been made. The colour used is based on that found in the layers of the existing paintwork, so it provides some idea of what it would have looked like previously (stunning) and what it may look like again – though no final decision on the colours has yet been made. This is an exciting step forward in the restoration project. For more photos visit our Facebook page.

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17 August 2020

The Trust is delighted to have received 6 major works in wood by Llew Summers, one of Christchurch's most visible sculptors. The works will be on permanent display in the Mansion, and the Trust hopes the gift is just the first in a process of extending the intended gallery spaces in the Mansion. Read more here. 

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21 July 2020

So, while restoration work cannot continue under level 4 lockdown, prior to that a great deal was achieved.  In the progress report there's lots of photos showing progress that’s been made.  Check it out.

Roll on another Open Day!

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21 April 2020

Today we commemorate the death of Allan McLean, who died on this day in 1907, and also celebrate his legacy – the wonderful McLean’s Mansion, which is now having new life breathed into it.

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The photo shows the obelisk in Addington Cemetery with Allan McLean (on the right), taken around 1871 after the death of his mother Mary, the first to be buried in the family plot.

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For more photos of the cemetery plot in Addington Cemetery, where Allan McLean is buried, check out our Facebook post.  

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12 November 2019

Why not join us at Moon Under Water this Saturday to help raise funds for the restoration of the Mansion and enjoy a social time with like-minded Friends of the project.  

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Merchandise will also be on sale.

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23 September 2019

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PS. Thanks to all who attended - around $900 was raised!

Those working hard to save and restore McLean’s Mansion take every opportunity to keep the project in front of the public… always hoping for new supporters.  We currently have a small static display in a space kindly made available at Cathedral Junction, between Gloucester and Worcester streets.

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You can also view one of the t-shirts we have on sale along with other merchandise.

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28 June 2019

Oh look, a sneak peak inside the Mansion is now available, courtesy of Frank Film. You can see and hear about how the project is coming along (nicely, thank you). It’s wonderful to see the steady progress being made to restore this amazing building to its original glory. Read more here.  

Have you chipped in yet?

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17 June 2019

March and April were busy months for the restoration of McLean’s Mansion and excellent progress continues. Amongst other things, chimneys were deconstructed, and fireplaces and hearths were uncovered. Some had not seen the light of day for many years, and at least one cast iron register fire surround and grate was retrieved from the rubble. All items have been catalogued and stored for future repair and restoration. Gradually the interior is being stripped back, along with detailed investigation of existing construction in all areas, before the exciting work of reinstatement can begin. We still need help to ensure this wonderful project can continue... can you support us? 

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6 June 2019

The McLean’s Mansion Charitable Trust is delighted to have received a Lottery Board Environment and Heritage grant of $71,500. The money is earmarked for the conservation plan, seismic assessment, seismic design and Fire Engineer's report.

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Have you chipped in yet?  More information on how to give a little, or a lot, can be found here. We'd love to receive your donation to help with this worthy and wonderful project.  Every contribution gets us nearer our goal of restoring and re-opening this jewel.

Due to exceptional circumstances unfortunately this weekend's Open Days are postponed until a future date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to your company in the near future.

We could not run the Open Days without support from many people, so, a special shout out to The China Cabinet who are kindly supplying the china side plates.

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And, of course, that means there will be delicious food - kindly sponsored by Kidd’s Cakes and Bakery.          

Don't forget that the Open Days are being held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 March from 10am to 4pm.  Take a look and chip in (entry by donation) to help save this magnificent building.

The wonderful folk at Latitude have been kind enough to give us a separate copy of the terrific feature on the Mansion which was published in the Feb/March 2019 edition of Latitude Magazine. 

BUT, of course there's lots more to read in this great magazine, so why not buy a copy for yourself!

Wow, what a great opportunity to see at first hand the progress that's being made on restoration of McLean's Mansion.

Open Days are being held on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 March from 10am to 4pm.

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Take a look and chip in (entry by donation) to help save this magnificent building.

Many thanks to Alexanders Digital Marketing for sponsoring the poster.

Work at McLean’s Mansion is well underway. Recent progress includes debris clearance from rooms, with sorting of all material by hand to ensure none of the original heritage fabric is lost – including samples of original wallpapers which are retained and catalogued. Some deconstruction of decorative elements has also taken place, so the items can be safely stored for later reinstatement after restoration.  There has also been extensive site clearance closer to the Mansion than the Friends were able to access during their gardening bees.  This allows both for recovery of heritage items and access to the building for future works.  We look forward to more updates as the work continues at an excellent pace.

Check out the great update on McLean's Mansion in The Press on 3 January 2019.  It was wonderful also to read all the supportive comments - it seems most now agree that we have lost far too much of our heritage and need to do all we can to save what we have left.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/109049105/how-hope-and-hard-work-are-saving-a-damaged-citys-treasure

January 2019 

Our next gardening bee is being held this Saturday, 1 December 9 am-noon, weather permitting (and the current forecast is good)! Bring your gardening tools along and join our group of keen gardeners and those helping save McLean's Mansion, to work on grounds maintenance. A huge amount was achieved last time, but we all know how quickly weeds are growing in the current weather... so there will be no shortage of weeding etc. To be in touch with future events, join the Friends.

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November 2018

A great time was had by the keen group of gardeners who turned out on Saturday morning in perfect weather to work in the garden at McLean’s Mansion. It was amazing to see how much was achieved, and it was exciting to uncover paths, trim hedges and dig gardens. The garden has great bones and with rhododendrons out, roses in full bud, irises blooming, there was much to enjoy along with the hard work. Join us for our next working bee on 1 Dec, at 9am. Sign up through the Friends.

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November 2018

Check out the video to see, admire, and wonder at the scale and intricacy of McLean's Mansion - without any distractions such as trees, fences or adjacent buildings. What a cultural gem - well worth the effort that is going into its restoration and rejuvenation.

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November 2018

The Friends of McLean’s Mansion is holding a couple of working bees – projected for 10 November and 1 December, between 9am – 1pm. Please contact the Friends if you’re able to help – many hands make light work – and being an official ‘Friend’ is not necessary – but we’d hope to inspire you to join.

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November 2018

There was a good turnout of people eager to hear about plans for the purchase and restoration of McLean’s Mansion on 13 October 2018. This event was held as part of Beca Heritage Week and was the first opportunity for many to actually step onto the Mansion grounds.

An overview of the project plan was given by trustees Trevor Lord and Prof Chris Kissling, before the group set out in the double-decker to see some other Civic Trust projects.

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October 2018