WINTER 2010
JULY and AUGUST - WINTER BREAK
Group Bookings and Special Events can still be arranged on request. Please contact either Annie Baxter 03 329 4779 or Bryan Fowler 03 329 3135 for further information.
SEPTEMBER
We are currently preparing the next list of Exhibitions and Exhibitors. Please see Artists Home Page If you would like further information
WELCOME TO HISTORIC STODDART'S COTTAGE
Located in scenic Diamond Harbour, you will find a beautifully restored 19th century cottage and garden. Brought over from Australia and constructed by Mark Pringle Stoddart around 1860.
Stoddart’s Cottage was the birthplace and a home of one of New Zealand’s foremost flower painters and early landscape artists, Margaret Olrog Stoddart (1865-1934).
Local enthusiasts began restoring the cottage to its former glory in the 1980's, then in 1990, The NZ Historic Places Trust awarded the cottage a “Category 1” classification. In 1998 The Stoddart Cottage Trust was formed and registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. The current Trustees are dedicated local volunteers, fully committed to the upkeep, maintenance and future development of the cottage and grounds.
The cottage and garden are open to the public most Sunday afternoons throughout the year, and often accompanied by a local arts/craft exhibition and traditional Victorian Afternoon Teas and Cakes.
So why not spend a relaxing afternoon taking in this wonderful setting and unique piece of NZ history. You can browse through the current arts and craft exhibition and end your visit by purchasing a Victorian cake and pot of leaf tea. All we ask for in return is a "GOLD COIN DONATION" entrance fee, to help towards the upkeep and maintenance of the cottage. If you choose to buy from the exhibition, 10% of the sale will be donated to the cottage.
In 1998 the Stoddart's Cottage Trust was formed to maintain, develop and administer historic Stoddart’s Cottage for all to enjoy. As well as ensuring that the maintenance and upkeep of the cottage is preserved, the trustees also aim to showcase events which help bring its spirit back to life.
Please note that we are unable to provide EFTPOS or Credit Card Facilities
FRIENDS OF THE COTTAGE
In 1970, following the departure of the last tenants, the cottage was left neglected and in disrepair. By 1986 the cottage became so dilapidated that the local community decided to set up a working group to secure the building against the weather. Subsequent years have seen extensive renovation work to the cottage continue and extended to the grounds and garden in 1991.
Funding for the cottage is received through donations and grants from visitors, the council and the local community.
So why not help us to preserve and maintain this unique piece of NZ history, by becoming a "Friend Of The Cottage". For a small annual subscription, benefits will include two Newsletters per year, and notification of all forthcoming and "Friends Of the Cottage" only events.
Visit Friends of the Cottage, for further information.
EXHIBITIONS
As the birthplace of Margaret Stoddart, one of New Zealand’s most prominent artists, Stoddart's Cottage is not only an ideal setting to promote and support all forms of Arts and Crafts, but to inspire and encourage the artist in us all.
Stoddart's Cottage is open to a variety of Arts and Crafts, from paintings and photography, woodwork and stone carvings, through to tapestry, needlework, mosaics and leather work.
Exhibitions can be carried out on an individual basis or through a group booking.
There are various display areas available throughout the cottage. On the day free local advertising is available by way of stand alone advertising boards and the local shop notice boards at Diamond Harbour and Church Bay.
If you are interested in exhibiting at the cottage please visit the Artists Home Page for further information.
COTTAGE GALLERY
(Please Click on an image to view and enlarge)
a.jpg "Visitors learning the art of minatures")
