Trust Waikato ensures iconic artwork stays in the region
Monday, 31st May, 2010
Trust Waikato has purchased the eye-catching piece of kiwiana, the life-sized Huntly brick caravan known as ‘Holidays in Huntly’ created by ceramic artist Peter Lange.
“We’re very excited about this piece of public art,” says Trust Waikato Chair John Kilbride. “One of the unique things about it is that it’s mobile. We intend to make sure that the caravan gets to travel across the region to a number of locations to be enjoyed by us all.”
The brick caravan was originally part of the Waiclay exhibition in Hamilton in 2008, celebrating ceramic tradition and creativity in New Zealand. Since then it has been parked outside the Waikato Museum and has been a huge hit with locals and visitors to Hamilton. Passersby are drawn to it, with many exploring the caravan inside and out, enjoying its fun sense of adventure.
Peter Lange is over the moon. He says that the brick caravan, made of Huntly brick and mortar, represents fond memories from his time spent living in a caravan while looking for minerals in New Zealand and Australia in the 60s. The iconic cream and brown Huntly brick has become a recognisable and nostalgic building style in the region.
Lange is ecstatic that the caravan is to remain in the Waikato. “It was always destined for the Waikato and with its wonderful heritage of Huntly bricks, that’s where it belongs.”
The artwork was purchased for $24,000 and is the latest addition to a noteworthy collection of art and taonga owned by the Trust, John Kilbride says. There are over 150 pieces in the collection. Each piece is carefully selected for its significance to the region. The caravan fits perfectly with the Trust’s goal of making the collection accessible throughout the region.
The Waikato Museum is caretaker of the Trust’s collection and is equally excited about the new addition. The Museum will take an active role in caring for the caravan and assisting the Trust to move it to key locations across the region.
Director of Waikato Museum, Kate Vusoniwailala says, “We are thrilled that Trust Waikato has added this fabulous piece to the Trust Waikato collection. This quirky engaging artwork has already created significant public interest in its current location, where it allows a high level of engagement. Through the Trust Waikato purchase this truly Waikato piece of art, will continue to be accessible to a wide audience.”
Trust Waikato has an art purchasing policy that aims to preserve significant art and taonga in the region that form part of its rich culture and artistic heritage.