Artist sells his studio
Christchurch artist Bill Hammond’s earthquake-damaged Lyttelton studio has found a buyer who plans to restore the historic building.
The building, which was built in 1881 as the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge, was Hammond’s home and studio from 2000. It was damaged in the 2011 earthquakes and has been empty since.
The insurance payout on the building was spent on bracing the structure. The building was sold as-is and had a rateable valuation of $295,000.
Hammond said selling the building ended a chapter of his life.
‘‘It was a great relief because there is a lot to be done to that building. It has had its time and it was good. I did enjoy working there. It is a chapter over.’’
He said the new buyer was prepared to restore the building.
‘‘He is an excellent buyer. He is an engineer that specialises in heritage buildings and he will keep it for himself.’’
Hammond is one of New Zealand’s most-celebrated contemporary artists, known for his human figures with birdlike heads. He has set up a new studio in a former vicarage in Lyttelton.
The former masonic lodge building is listed as significant and notable by the Christchurch City Council. Resource consent would be needed to alter or demolish the building, but it could be eligible for a council heritage grant towards restoration costs.
The council’s district plan says the building is a ‘‘local landmark and a defining feature’’ of its location. It also notes the building is a fine example of 19th century Italianate-style architecture.
The new owner could not be reached for comment.