Olveston's artist showing his work

Olveston's first artist in residence, Manu Berry, moves one of his works, Morning delivery, into...
Olveston's first artist in residence, Manu Berry, moves one of his works, Morning delivery, into the historic home's drying room for his exhibition. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
As the first artist in residence at Dunedin historic home Olveston, Manu Berry has fallen for its ''fairy-tale'' feel and rich history.

The Dunedin artist has produced 47 woodcuts and etchings from his four months in residence, all of which are being exhibited in the mansion's drying room during the next 10 days.

''It's so great to see it up in the house where it originated. It's a bit different from a gallery space,'' Mr Berry said.

During the residency, he had the opportunity to roam the house and grounds and look through its collection.

Although he had completed works of historic buildings, including Olveston, in the past, he had never depicted their interiors.

''It was very different for me. But this is a thoroughly engaging place.''

He started the process by spending time drawing in its many rooms before developing those into his works.

Some of the characters depicted in the house are being brought to life in the final work.

Mr Berry was also inspired by the photographic collection of Dorothy Theomin, the woman who bequeathed the house to the city, creating a 21-piece series of drypoint etchings in different shapes reflecting those of a dining set on a dresser in the kitchen.

- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz

 

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