Three artworks that were left to two Nelson charities as part of a significant bequest, one of them a signed print depicting the exploits of Sir Edmund Hillary, will be auctioned in Nelson this week.
Nelson man Leon Page died in September 2020, leaving his $3.6m estate to Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust and St John Nelson – with each charity receiving $1.8m each.
Three artworks were included in the bequest, a signed print of A Moment in History by Craig S Primrose, produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hillary’s 1953 ascent of Mount Everest, and two pieces by artist John Gatenby - Pansies and Late Summer, which came from the Copper Beech Gallery in Motueka.
Nelson Auction House will auction the pieces on Thursday, 13 April.
Hato Hone St John general manager community engagement south, Craig Stockdale, says the organisation was incredibly grateful for the bequest from Leon and was currently working through a land acquisition process for a new ambulance base for the region.
“We are very fortunate that the generous legacy from Leon Page will pay for the parcel of land,” he says.
NMRHT general manager Paula Muddle says Leon was an incredibly generous man who left behind quite the legacy to support the Golden Bay community and beyond.
“He enjoyed these two beautiful pieces of local artwork and the limited-edition piece and now it is time to adorn someone else’s walls for their enjoyment. The money raised from these pieces will be jointly shared between two fantastic emergency services.”
