AMY RUSS
There is something compelling about the old baches on Nelson’s Boulder Bank that piques the curiosity of many who visit, including photographer Debra Cole.
Debra’s interest began during a holiday in Nelson in 2004, when she and her husband took the ferry out to the Boulder Bank. For 20 years, she has returned with her camera, capturing their individual character and the changes brought about by time and the elements.
Now, a selection of her photographs is on show at McKee Gallery, in the Suter, alongside the stories of the families whose lives are tied to these distinctive dwellings.
“We ventured out there mostly out of curiosity and to enjoy the solitude," says Debra. "We loved Nelson so much we returned year after year for our annual holiday and I continued my trips to the Boulder Bank, each time with my camera."
Originally used by fishermen in the mid to late 1800s as practical shelters, the baches later became treasured holiday retreats.
"The baches are more than just dwellings. The shelters, then owned by the Harbour Board, were sold and families began to use them as holiday baches."
Meeting those families has become one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
"I discovered that the six baches, Maxwell, Inkster, Robson, Harris, Cederman and Brady, each had its own character. It was never my intention to have an exhibition. It was only in retirement that I felt this collection of photos might be of interest to the community."
Over the years Debra had amassed a collection of more than 1000 photos. Now, 70 of them feature in The Grande Dames of the Boulder Bank, including seven fabric panels.
"The exhibition tells the story of six baches, and the ever-changing environment which surrounds them. I wanted to reflect the landscape itself - the sea, the wind, Mother Nature’s challenges - thrown at them time and again."
Working on the project, Debra says a sense of vulnerability has come into focus with rising sea levels, erosion and fire all posing threats to the historic buildings.
"I feel an attachment to the baches, and to the families that have cared for them, that I never imagined. The baches are privately owned, yet they stand on the Boulder Bank which is a Scenic Reserve. Once a bach is lost from the Boulder Bank, the important physical history is gone forever.”
The presentation of the exhibition also reflects their surrounding environment. Some are printed on wood composite, while others appear on cotton fabric panels suspended from the ceiling.
"This allows the panels to move, as a sail might respond to a light breeze."
Debra hopes visitors will take their time with the work and gain a better understanding of the baches' significance.
"I hope people will understand why the baches mean so much to the families, generations of them, who have cared for them, and why they matter to Nelson."
The exhibition runs until 28 November.
