'Shock and delight' at $1.8m bequest

A Christchurch man who visited art shows on his bicycle has bequeathed $1.8 million to the Christchurch Art Gallery.

The executor of Norman Barrett's estate, Brian Kinley, announced the donation last night to a gathering of Barrett's friends at the art gallery.

Kinley said about $1.8m of Barrett's savings from investments had been put aside for gallery curators to buy works for a Barrett Bequest Collection.

Barrett's will stated that the collection was to contain works by Canterbury artists. Barrett, who died on January 6 aged 87, was described by friend Vic Claude as a witty and compelling man and "a bit of an eccentric" who rode his bike everywhere.

An enthusiastic supporter of the arts, he worked on theatre productions and befriended creative people, including crime writer Ngaio Marsh and artist Bill Sutton.

Christchurch architect Peter Beaven, who befriended Barrett through Barrett's work as the owner of a signage company, said he had no idea of his wealth.

"He used to say he was heading down to his stockbrokers ... and bike down there," he said "I think all of us thought he was a miser. Now not one person is thinking that."

Gallery deputy director Blair Jackson said he was "shocked and delighted" by the donation.

"I remember him turning up to exhibitions on his bicycle ... He'd always have a wry little comment about the art."

He said it was too early to say how the money would be used.

- © Fairfax NZ News