Bull finds new stamping ground in Riccarton

Bull finds new stamping ground in Riccarton

It wasn’t just the aroma of fried bacon turning heads at a special “Tradies Breakfast” at PlaceMakers Riccarton this morning – a famous 1.8-tonne work of art made a guest appearance beside the barbecues.

More than 100 plumbers, carpenters, builders and painters turned out for the free breakfast, which was also attended by Michael Parekowhai’s giant bronze bull Chapman’s Homer and Christchurch Art Gallery director Jenny Harper.

The much-loved bull has recently been relocated to PlaceMakers Riccarton’s Outdoor Centre after a three-month stint outside Christchurch City Council’s Civic Offices.

Jenny Harper says it is wonderful to have Chapman’s Homer out and about for the city to see again.

“It's only a year since we achieved the ground-breaking crowd-funding target of $200,000 – which was matched by Westpac and the Gallery's Trust – to help secure Chapman's Homer for Christchurch.

“And it’ll only be another year before he takes pride of place on the reopened Gallery’s forecourt,” says Ms Harper.

Grant Close, owner of PlaceMakers Riccarton and one of the Gallery’s “Leaders of the Charge” during the bull’s fundraising campaign, says Chapman’s Homer has found a new stamping ground in Riccarton.

“It may seem a bit odd at first but, when you think about it, it’s a perfect fit,” he says. “We have all sorts of creative people coming through our doors every day – many of whom are out there re-creating and rebuilding our city.

“The bull is a wonderful symbol and reminder of Christchurch’s creativity, as well as its strength.

“We’ve already received some amazing feedback from people who come in and discover it just sitting there in the middle of the store – they get quite a surprise!”

ENDS

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