Christchurch based Rekindle is a social enterprise that has rescued wood from earthquake damaged houses and turned it into furniture, childrens toys and artworks.

Glassware and jewellery made by Frances Woodhead on display at Canterbury Museum

In 2013 Rekindle took on the ambitious project of reusing a whole red zoned house. Number 19 Admirals Way, New Brighton was a 1920’s California bungalow that was home to six families between 1925-2011. With the blessing of the last home owners the bungalow was deconstructed by hand, the materials were catalogued and photographed and filled six garages. Unsurprisingly the project wasn’t without its challenges – the discovery of asbestos and borer made some parts of the house unusable.

Coffee table, and concrete and corrugated iron lamp on display at Canterbury Museum

A catalogue of reusable materials was published and creative people near and far were invited to submit designs using some of the 480 materials listed. The stunning results are on display at Canterbury Museum until Sunday, 23 August. As well as unusually designed wooden furniture, there are musical instruments, glassware and glass jewellery, ceramic socks, a dog made from electrical wiring, and birdhouses.

Dog made with electrical wiring by Deborah Walsh

On the evening of Monday 24 August a selection of items will be auctioned at the Isaac Theatre Royal – tickets $25.  Funds raised will go towards a new project involving Rekindle and Kilmarnock Enterprises, an organisation that provides employment for people with a disability.

Chair and footstool by Judi Cameron to be auctioned at Isaac Theatre Royal

PS. As a fan of Rekindle I was disappointed not to be able to visit the exhibition in person, thanks to Mike for the photographs.