Media release from Warbirds & Wheels Attraction and Diner

Media release from Warbirds & Wheels Attraction and Diner

Rare artwork signed by Sir Peter Jackson to be auctioned for charity on TradeMe
A rare, one-of-a-kind painting of the famous car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, signed by world-famous Kiwi film director Sir Peter Jackson, will today (June 5 2015) be auctioned on website TradeMe to raise funds for charity.

Organised by Wanaka tourism attraction Warbirds & Wheels as part of its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibit held April 2015, the exclusive piece was drawn and painted by local artist Julian Ford as part of an artist in residence event.

Sir Peter Jackson is the current owner of the famous car, known as GEN11, and he kindly loaned the exceptional machine to the attraction for the month of June as a fundraising initiative.

The 'Chitty' painting by Julian Ford took over 43 hours to craft and was “a dream come true” for the artist who only started painting two years ago.

Visit www.trademe.co.nz to view the auction under Listing #: 898600200.

Now completed and signed by Sir Peter Jackson –the world-famous director known especially for his work on The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings - the painting will be auctioned for 10 days with all funds raised going to local charity the Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust.

Warbirds & Wheels general manager Naomi Lindsay said the completed painting was “even better than we’d imagined”.

“When we approached Julian, I knew this would be a great addition to the Chitty exhibit, offering people something a little different. Not only did Julian produce this exceptional piece of artwork, he also educated visitors on art and the art process.”

“We know this painting will be highly sought-after. It is the only painting of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that is signed by Sir Peter. This will be a huge collectors’ piece for someone,” said Ms Lindsay.

“We saw how popular Chitty was with people and it brought out some deep emotions within the people that came to see he. So we know this rare painting will have wide appeal. It’s also for charity so we encourage people to dig deep and bid high.”

Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust chair, Noeline Harridge, said she and the Trust board were “extremely excited” to see the finished product and were looking forward to seeing the auction unfold.

“As a Trust we survive purely on the generosity of others. Julian so kindly donated his time to draw this fabulous piece and Sir Peter Jackson has added to the value of the painting with his signature.

“So now let’s hope the people of Australia and New Zealand dig deep and raise as much money as we can to continue the work the Medical Trust does in the community,” said Mrs Harridge.

The aptly-named Ford is well-known for his paintings of cars, bikes and all things motorized and formerly worked as an engineer for the famous New Zealand rally car driver; the late Possum Bourne.

Swapping his spanners for paint brushes, Mr Ford took up painting just two years ago and has
kindly donated his time for the cause.

Mr Ford said the chance to be involved with Chitty was “incredibly rewarding” but “very nerve wracking”.

”Day one was quite daunting. I remember sitting there in front of Chitty thinking.. WOW.. this is it, it’s really happening,” said Mr Ford.

“The opportunity to sit in residence at Warbirds & Wheels for one whole week and focus on nothing but art was a dream come true,” Mr Ford said.

“To know that Sir Peter Jackson has not only seen my work but given it his stamp of approval means the absolute world to me. The fact we can now raise funds a really worthy charity too, is just the icing on the cake.”

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang painting signed by Sir Peter Jackson will be auctioned on TradeMe for 10 days from June 5 to June 15. The highest bidder at 1.48pm June 15 2015 when the auction closes will be the successful new owner of the painting.

ENDS

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