Sutton Project

The house, studio and garden of the renowned artist Bill Sutton is the only heritage house of national significance left standing in Christchurch’s Red Zone, saved from the bulldozers because of its considerable cultural value.

The house, designed by Tom Taylor, was damaged by the earthquakes and is currently being restored and repaired by the Crown. It will then be transferred to Christchurch City Council on the condition that it be leased to a guardian entity to preserve its heritage and manage operations and associated projects. The house and garden will open to the public early next year as a very special museum.

Next door, the Sutton Project also plans to build purpose-designed accommodation for a broad-ranging artist-in-residence programme, and establish Sutton Park, which will become a venue for community events. Our first task as the Project’s steering committee is to refurbish Bill’s house as near as we can to its original state. We already have been gifted his easel. We also will acquire modern visual and interpretative aids to enhance visitors’ tours of the property.

THE AUCTION
We’ll be auctioning some very collectible art, including work by Bill Hammond, Barry Cleavin, Phil Trusttum, Denise Copland, Sally Burton and more, as well as photography by Craig Potton and Murray Hedwig, and sculpture by Sam Mahon. Other auction items include holiday home retreats, a dinner for six with Minister Megan Woods, MP for Wigram and a behind-the-scenes tour for six of Christchurch Art Gallery with Director Blair Jackson, as well as Chinese jade, hand-crafted woven baskets from around the world and other rare and tantalising items, plus books galore, including some autographed by Peter Simpson, Gavin Bishop and Craig Potton. A full illustrated catalogue will be emailed to all ticket purchasers prior to the auction.

The auctioneer is Roger Dawson of Harcourts Grenadier. Seating will be provided during the auction. Your ticket price includes elegant hors d’ouevres by Lizzie’s Cuisine and complimentary fine wines, craft beer and juice.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Step 1
By bank deposit
The Sutton Project, bank account number
Please include your name and SUTTON as the reference.

By cheque
Made out to The Sutton Heritage House and Garden Project, and sent to Ann Hercus, PO Box 36519, Merivale, Christchurch 8146.

Step 2
In order to receive your tickets and auction catalogue, you’ll need to email your name, postal address, the number of tickets purchased and method of payment to ann.johnhercus@hotmail.com. If you have any ticket queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We do hope you can come to this special event!

Kind regards
Ann Hercus and Neil Roberts, Co-Chairs of the Sutton Project steering committee