22nd February this year marked the fourth anniversary since the Christchurch earthquake that damaged the city. We were visiting family who had experienced the earthquake we wanted to spend time in the city centre trying to understand the impact of the disaster on their lives.
Every few hundred meters memorials to those who died in the ‘quake are evident, as are the vibrant street art murals that adorn the sides of builds yet to be demolished (because of ‘quake damage) and those newly erected.
Each of he 185 empty white chairs’ in this memorial represent a person who died in the collapse on one building during the 2011 earthquake. The plaques on the remembrance art installation encourage visitors to sit in the chairs and quietly reflect on the unique individual who is represented by the chair. The chairs are not inscribed with names, although the names are recorded elsewhere on the site.
The installation was presented to the people of Christchurch on the first anniversary of the earthquake. A red carnation is placed on every chair each anniversary.
Very moving. I did not want to leave.
queasypeasy.wordpress.com 
Thought I’d let you know I’ve included your post in my weekly list of articles that have caught my eye.
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Thank you Graeme I hope your readers are as touched by the memorial as others have been.
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The sight of the chairs of all sizes and sorts is heartbreaking. I didn’t know about this amazing, meaningful memorial, but I do now. Thank you so much for teaching me.
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It does wrench at the heart strings, such a beautiful memorial, so poignant.
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My heart aches a little. This is powerful and touching.
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Definitely Lux, very moving.
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What a powerful tribute!
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Absolutely Graeme and very emotional too. Thank you for the visit and comment 😄
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A good way to encourage reflection.
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It certainly was. Even sitting in one of the chairs I felt so blessed to be there when that person was not. Also being able to reflect on the affect of their absence and how that continues to impact their families, friends and colleagues. Very emotional but so beautiful.
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