Riccarton house needs your help

The exterior painting of Riccarton House in traditional 1900 colours of cream and red ochre has recently been completed.

The Riccarton House Trustees are seeking readers' help in finding the small household items needed to completethe furnishing of the interior.

During the past eight years a staged programme of work involving conservation, restoration, redecoration and furnishing has been taking place.

The work is nearing completion and Riccarton House now offers visitors the genuine atmosphere of bygone era.

Because Riccarton House was built in three stages (1856, 1874 and 1900) and was the home of Canterbury's pioneering Deans family until 1937, it uniquely combines colonial,Victorian and Edwardian influences in one structure.

The Trustees' aim throughout the restoration and redecoration programme has been to recreate the interior of the house to show these influences as authentically as possible. The stage has now been reached where small everyday items are needed to add the finishing touches.

Administrator Graham Hemming says that the Trust is particularly interested in items for bedrooms and the domestic wing built in 1900. The wing contains a kitchen with a double oven coal range, staff living room, large walk-in pantry, coal cellar and a cool cellar.

Within the cellar are two large troughs which hold cold spring water for keeping perishable food fresh, ceiling hooks for meat and poultry, and shelving for fruits and vegetables.

Items which are currently being sought are listed below. The Trustees are always pleased to receive donated items and are also able to negotiate purchases.

• China chamber pots
• China wash stand, jug and basin sets
• Tin and cardboard hat boxes
• Linen bedspreads, counterpanes and pillow cases
• Black cast iron saucepans, pots and kettles
• Stone crocks
• Butter churn
• Flour grinder
• Coffee grinder
• Old tins, packets, boxes, containers etc for the pantry
• Cast iron/brass fire place fenders
• Rag rugs
• Anything old and interesting

If readers have any items which they think may be suitable please don't hesitate to contact Graham Hemming at the Sockburn Service Centre: ph 3485 119 or at Riccarton House, ph 3411 018.

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