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DESCRIPTION: Kerridge House was built for Sir Robert Kerridge (1901- 1979), the cinema chain magnate whose name is still associated with the company he founded. Kerridge bought his first cinema in Gisborne in 1924 at the age of 23. With H.B. Williams, a wealthy local landowner, as his partner, Kerridge established a profitable and expanding business. Five years after Kerridge started his business the company owned 16 country cinemas in the east coast regions of the North Island. After the Second World War Kerridge purchased his Fuller's chain of cinemas and then J.C. Williamson's New Zealand's interests to control 66% of New Zealand's movie houses. Kerridge was knighted for his services to the entertainment industry.

Kerridge House, Gisborne | Annie James | 23/11/2022 | Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Kerridge House, Gisborne | Martin Jones | 02/04/2003 | Heritage New Zealand

Kerridge House, Gisborne. Window detail | Martin Jones | 02/04/2003 | Heritage New Zealand

Location

List Entry Information

Overview

Detailed List Entry

Status

Listed

List Entry Status

Historic Place Category 1

Access

Private/No Public Access

List Number

4421

Date Entered

2nd February 1990

Date of Effect

2nd February 1990

City/District Council

Gisborne District

Region

Gisborne Region

Legal description

Lot 2 Pt 4 DP 3148

Overview

Status
Listed

List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1

Access
Private/No Public Access

List Number
4421

Date Entered
2nd February 1990

Date of Effect
2nd February 1990

City/District Council
Gisborne District

Region
Gisborne Region

Legal description

Lot 2 Pt 4 DP 3148

Detailed List Entry

Significance

Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Sir Robert Kerridge was one of New Zealand's best known entrepreneur. As the leading figure in the movie entertainment business in New Zealand he had a very high profile. The chain of cinemas he established largely survives today and reflects the very great influence this innovative businessman held in the industry. This modern contemporary house was built when Kerridge was still a relatively young businessman.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: This is an outstanding example of an Art Deco house. The consistency of design and use of materials is most noteworthy. This is one of the best Art Deco designs in New Zealand in a style which was rapidly reaching its heyday in the 1930s and was closely associated with the east coast regions of the North Island.

Construction Professional

Biography

J H Burr became an Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1905. Mirfield began his career as a clerk of works before entering into partnership with Burr in 1912. Burr and Mirfield were responsible for many buildings in the Gisborne district including the Masonic Hotel (with Rene Natusch), the New Zealand Insurance Building, the Kaiti Memorial Church (with Clere and Williams, 1925), the Public Trust Office and some large residences in Gisborne. Buildings designed by the Gisborne architectural practice of Burr and Mirfield - other than the Rangatira Hotel - include the New Zealand Insurance Building (1915), 50 Childers Road, Gisborne (NZHPT Registration # 3553, Category II historic place); the Public Trust Building (1922), 40 Childers Road, Gisborne (NZHPT Registration # 3552, Category II historic place); a house (1925) at 233 Harris Street, Gisborne (NZHPT Registration # 3512, Category II historic place); the Kerridge House (1935), 75 The Esplanade, Gisborne (NZHPT Registration # 4421, Category I historic place); and the M. Zemba Ltd Building (1937), 63 Peel Street, Gisborne (NZHPT Registration # 3542, Category II historic place).

Name

Burr & Mirfield

Type

Architectural Partnership

Construction Details

Description

Free standing fireplace installed in hall

Start Year

1987

Type

Modification

Description

Lounge and den window glazing changed to plain glass

Start Year

1988

Type

Modification

Start Year

1935

Type

Original Construction

Construction Materials

Foundations, concrete piles. Timber framing. Walls have exterior-diagonal slats, with stucco finish. Corrugated iron roof with parapets.

Notable Features

Art Deco glazing and fittings Maid-bell system (unoperational) Push-button light switches Polygonal bathroom

Physical Description

ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION: The house is Art Deco in style. The front elevation has generous steps leading up to an entrance porch. Chromium plated steel railings define the steps and porch. There is a carport to the right of the house - an integral part of the design. The roof has parapets. Some of the windows have patterned and textured glass while the sliding garage doors have diamond paved lights on the upper third. There is a small courtyard at the rear of the house. The interior is richly finished in redwood throughout. The ceilings are panelled with Art Deco patterns except for the hall and main bedroom. The bathroom with its polygonal plan, is enhanced by the use of superior fittings and materials. Sliding doors with patterned glass separate the lounge, dining room and hall. The two fireplaces have terrazzo surrounds. MODIFICATIONS: 1987 - Free standing fireplace installed in hall 1988 - Lounge and den window glazing changed to plain glass

Reference

Information Sources

Gisborne District Council

Shaw, 1990

P. Shaw and P. Hallet, Art Deco Napier: Styles of the Thirties, Cosmos Publications, Napier, 1990

University of Auckland

Report Written By

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.

Further Information

Current Usages

Uses: Accommodation

Specific Usage: House

Former Usages

General Usage:: Accommodation

Specific Usage: House

Kerridge House

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