Wharerata: Massey University Staff Club and Anteroom

Description

The photograph on the wall is the original owner of Wharerata, Arthur Edward Russell, nicknamed Red Beard by local Maori. Wharerata was built for A.E. Russell in 1901 on 10 hectares / 25 acres purchased from Sir James Prendergast Fitzherbert Estate. The house, comprising 28 rooms, was designed by the Architect Natusch, of Napier. Mr Russell died in 1924. In 1930 Mrs Russell went to England and returned with a huge collection of valuable antiques. Christchurch Architect Heathcoat Helmore was commissioned to expand the drawing room to house the collection. Ms Russell died in 1949 leaving the Crown the first option on her property. In 1951 Massey College moved in and superficial changes were made for its use as Lecture rooms. The Massey Club moved into Wharerata in 1971 and the completion of restoration work in 1979 coincided with the granting of a charter to the Massey Staff Club.

Identification

Date

1979

Digitisation id

2008P_Ma37_TER_1389

Held in

Coolstore