Ravenscar House: A Biography

Explore the enchanting narrative of 'Ravenscar House: A Biography' by Sally Blundell, a hardback masterpiece that journeys through the legacy of one of post-earthquake Christchurch's most intriguing new buildings. Spanning 224 pages, this biography meticulously details the transformation of Jim and Susan Wakefield's dream into reality after the demolition of their home on Scarborough Hill. This unique house museum, nestled in the heritage precinct of Christchurch, showcases a rich collection of art and artifacts from notable New Zealand artists like Frances Hodgkins and Colin McCahon, all housed within a striking architectural design by Patterson Associates.

Discover the Wakefields’ philanthropic spirit and their commitment to sharing art and culture with the community through the Ravenscar Trust. The beautiful photography and insightful commentary by Blundell not only narrate the story of architectural ingenuity but also celebrate resilience in the face of adversity. As a journalist and writer in ?tautahi Christchurch, Sally Blundell brings her expertise to life in this compelling biography. Perfect for art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in New Zealand's cultural heritage, 'Ravenscar House' is a must-read. Dive into this heartwarming tale that exemplifies dedication, community, and the power of generosity. Immerse yourself in the story of Ravenscar House today!

Author: Sally Blundell Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 250 x 190 mm
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 24-02-2022

Many exciting new buildings have arisen from the rubble of post-earthquake Christchurch but none, perhaps, is as remarkable as Ravenscar House in the heart of the city’s heritage precinct. ‘Ravenscar House: A biography’ explores the story of this unique, purpose-built house museum as the realisation of a long-held dream and the expression of a heart-warming act of public philanthropy. Christchurch journalist and writer Sally Blundell tells the compelling story of Jim and Susan Wakefield, whose vision was to share with their community the eclectic and impressive collection of art and artefacts that they had endowed to the charitable Ravenscar Trust. After their house on Scarborough Hill was demolished following the Canterbury earthquakes, the couple were determined to commission a new house museum, filled with a wide range of works by leading New Zealand artists such as Frances Hodgkins, Colin McCahon and Bill Sutton - and many more. Designed by renowned architects Patterson Associates, the Wakefields’ bold but elegant addition to the city was opened in 2021. Sally Blundell’s engaging and well-informed text is enhanced by family photographs, and stunning images of Ravenscar House itself, the garden it enfolds and the works within its walls. This is a unique story of resilience, architectural ingenuity and, above all, extraordinary generosity. Sally Blundell, a journalist and writer in ?tautahi Christchurch, has a PhD in English literature from the University of Canterbury. She has been books and culture editor for the ‘New Zealand Listener’ and was a fiction judge for the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Her essay contributions include ‘Not Listening: Changing Conversations in the Wake of the Mosque Shootings’ (‘Public Knowledge’, ed. Emma Johnson, 2019), ‘Amending the Map’ (‘Griffith Review 43’, ed. Julianne Schultz and Lloyd Jones, 2014) and ‘Reoccupying Christchurch’ (‘Extraordinary Anywhere’, ed. Ingrid Horrocks and Cherie Lacey, 2016). Her 2007 book, ‘Look This Way: New Zealand Writers on New Zealand Artists’, was a finalist in the Montana New Zealand Book Awards.