More than a century of fibrous plaster craft, from a one-man Auckland business to the team that rebuilt Hawke's Bay after the 1931 earthquake, and still shapes it today.
Ernie BoyleFounder, Atlas Fibrous Plaster
Atlas Fibrous Plaster was founded by Ernie Boyle in Auckland during 1908. The company carried out all styles of plaster work in residential and commercial properties around the city. Over the following years, Atlas also played a key role in the development of numerous iconic buildings, including the avant-garde Civic Theatre.
However, the great depression of the late 1920's meant that work became scarce. Many businesses struggled, but Atlas stayed afloat with careful management and a reputation for quality work.
Two magnitude 7.8 earthquakes in two minutes left Napier and Hastings in ruins. From the rebuild came an Art Deco legacy Atlas helped shape by hand.
Hawke's Bay was devastated by two magnitude 7.8 earthquakes in the space of two minutes. Hundreds died in the cities of Napier and Hastings, which now stood in twisted, charred ruins. The surrounding districts fared little better. Despite this tragedy, there was a silver lining to the smoke that billowed: the region had a reasonably high rate of insurance cover, and this money meant that clean-up and reconstruction began almost immediately, powered by a readily available nationwide workforce.
Atlas answered the call for help. In the months that followed, Ernie Boyle moved his company to Hastings. Atlas once again played an important role in redeveloping the residential, commercial and public sector buildings of the area.
This was the famous era of Art Deco style construction, a feature for which Napier is now recognised as the world capital. Hastings was refashioned after the Spanish Mission architecture style. Both styles were ideal for the extensive use of fibrous plaster mouldings, something Atlas excels at.
A fantastic example is the recently redeveloped Hastings Opera House, Toitoi. Atlas created many of the original mouldings for this work of art, and some of these moulds still exist today. Others were recently recreated using traditional techniques to fabricate replacement sections for earthquake strengthening work, a close finish where the original heritage is indistinguishable from new. It's something the Atlas team take great pride in.
Gilded Corner Moulding
Floral Frieze Detail
Restored Ceiling Corner
Art Deco Ceiling Centre
Acanthus Scroll Centre
Sunburst Centre
David LandLed Atlas until 1983
Atlas remained in family hands under the guidance of David Land until his death in 1983. It was then purchased by Bryce Clifford, who had worked for David for the previous ten years. Bryce continues to own and run the business to this day with a team of nearly fifty workers, many of whom are fully qualified tradespeople who gained their qualifications and experience under his guidance.
