Public Art in Central Christchurch

Sir John Hall bust

Category: Monument / Sculpture Title: Sir John Hall bust Primary artist(s): Charles Kidson Execution date: c1908 Media: Marble Approximate dimensions: h .78m w .66m Location: Christchurch Civic Offices, Tuam Street Setting: Placed in a corridor of the first level of the Civic Offices building Owner / administrator: Christchurch City Council

The bust of Sir John Hall (1824 - 1907) made posthumously by its sculptor, Charles Kidson. The Kidson family immigrated from England to New Zealand. The Kidson family was joined by their son Charles after he had pursued art training in England. The idea behind Charles Kidson's move to New Zealand from England was that the Nelson climate might improve his health. Kidson soon moved to Christchurch when he was appointed to the staff of the Canterbury College School of Art in 1892. However, in an effort to pursue his artistic interests and a higher wage, Kidson resigned in 1906 to pursue a full time career as sculptor and craftsman.

Over the years Kidson carried out many important sculpture commissions. These include work on the Grigg Memorial in the Ashburton Domain, and the Kaiapoi Memorial Monument at Waikuku. Kidson did several busts of prominent citizens, these include Richard John Seddon, T.E Taylor, and Sir John Hall.

Kidson created a portrait bust of Sir John Hall wearing mayoral regalia. The bust was commissioned in the honour of Sir John Hall who died on 25 June 1907 was the first chairman of the Christchurch Municipal Council 1862-3, and Mayor of Christchurch 1900. The bust was completed just before Kidson's death of Bright's disease on 2 October 1908.

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