In which I get my ear re-pierced at The Tannery

Today I decided that I really must get my left ear repierced. It grew over some time ago, and I haven't been able to wear my earrings for a while. My grandmother used to re-pierce hers with a hot needle, but I'm really not up for that. So I went to Absolution at The Tannery, a new mall that has opened in some old industrial buildings in the next suburb.

 

 

This is Eden at Absolution, who reopened my hole (!) (Remember the old Bette Midler song, Dr Longjohn, about her dentist?) Fortunately, I didn't need a totally new piercing; he just got a needle thing and jerked it around and inserted a nice new, surgical-steel grade ear-bud. Yes, there was a certain erotic sado-masochistic buzz; he is a bloke and he did ask me to lie down while he did things to my body. He didn't numb my earlobe either; I'm lying there thinking Oh, okay, perhaps pain is all part of the process, some sort of proving-ground thing required for entry into the secret club of The Pierced, but it didn't hurt a bit.  Last time I had my ears done it was in a chemist shop with a needle-gun. This is not a desirable way to do things, apparently, and Eden's establishment is very proudly piercing-gun free. Everything is autoclaved and surgical and sterile, and now the newly-pierced lobe actually feels better than the old one, which gets a bit inflamed sometimes. He gave me a brochure which told me things I didn't know about body jewellery as well. Thanks, Eden.

 

 

Then I went and investigated the rest of The Tannery. It's the brainchild of a local businessman, Alastair Cassells, who decided to develop it as an upmarket boutique mall after the earthquakes

destroyed so much of the central city. I like it; it's a refreshing alternative to the usual mega-malls.

 

 

Located in an old industrial part of town, which used to host objectionable industries like tanning and wool-scouring. It's close to the Heathcote River; those industries needed lots of water.

 

 

Gustave's restaurant and bar. Very Arts and Crafts, with Morris wallpaper.

 

The original tannery complex, Woolston Tanneries, one of the biggest and smelliest in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

The second stage is well underway.

 

Nice touch; the bargeboard at the top of the window is an Arts and Crafts version of a Maori design.

The Arts and Crafts movement was popular in New Zealand, and often used Maori patterns to give a uniquely NZ feel. Yes, Mr Cassells has done his art-historical homework. This is so rare among businessmen that it deserves special mention and acclaim.

 

Before

 

During

 

After - recycled bricks from the many millions that were knocked down.

 

And, oh heaven, there's a bookshop there. Smith's Bookshop, which specialises in second-hand NZ imprints. I bought this mint copy of the 1956 edition of Lady Barker's Station life in New Zealand, of which more anon.

 

Couldn't resist this dress. It's a size too small and I can't wear it but just to have it! (I always rationalise impulse buys by saying that I'm supporting local small businesses). I love the vintage style and the furnishing fabric look. It's very well made of good quality linen, and may even prompt me to lose some weight. I feel like Joan Harris (Mad men) in it; it certainly shows a womanly figure to advantage. This was from Time and time again in Opawa Mall.

 

As was this pretty scarf. Only $4.

 

And...the very first tulip is out.