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Story: Sculpture and installation art

Statue of John Grigg

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Statue of John Grigg

This memorial to John Grigg was unveiled in Ashburton in 1905, four years after his death. A tribute to a pioneer settler who had transformed his property, Longbeach, into a prosperous farm, its pedestal incorporates bas reliefs depicting agricultural activities, and figures representing justice, industry, patience and fortitude. The statue was designed by Christchurch architect Samuel Hurst Seager and was executed by Christchurch sculptor Charles Kidson. It was the first major locally created sculpture.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page

Mark Stocker, Sculpture and installation art – Colonial origins, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/41960/statue-of-john-grigg (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Mark Stocker, published 24 June 2013.