17 Jan 2023

Labour of love saves local art heritage

From Summer Times, 9:25 am on 17 January 2023

A huge mural by treasured potter, the late Barry Brickell, that was once destined for the wrecking ball, has been safely installed in a new home in the refurbished Taupō airport. Chris Johnston, who runs the local Replete Cafe, purchased the work to save it from demolition and secured funding so objects conservator Liz Yuda could restore the piece to its former glory. 

Taupō businessman Chris Johnston with the Barry Brickell clay mural he saved from demolition.

Chris Johnston with Taupō Volcanic Mural, 1985 by Barry Brickell which he saved from demolition. It's now been installed in the new Taupō airport Photo: Andy Taylor/Taupō District Council