At a recent assembly, the Boys’ School invited the family of former Head of Art, Robyn Spooner to the unveiling of a painting gifted by the Parents and Friends Association in memory of Robyn who passed away in 2013.

Robyn is fondly remembered by the staff and her former students as a gracious lady with a love for art and the many boys she taught during her lengthy teaching career. During her time at the School, she actively worked towards building a professional art collection and enjoyed involving the boys in visiting the galleries to make the final selection.

Robyn’s husband Bob; son, Joe (an Old Collegian and America’s Cup sailor with Oracle); and daughter, Libby joined with the Parents and Friends to select ‘Stormy Night, Red Roof,’ an oil on canvas by young NZ artist, James Watkins. The International Art Centre's youngest artist, he has been with the gallery for nine years since studying at Elam School of Fine Arts. His works, particularly those of the Red Roof Series, feature illuminated landscapes, sometimes portrayed under the blue skies of summer, but often reflecting a dramatic atmosphere of their own. He says, ‘I try to make beautiful paintings which convey certain personal interpretations of the reality of our life in New Zealand. I'm particularly interested in the simple architectural structures of older New Zealand along with the universal symbol of home. In my paintings, home is a place of belonging, a happy memory, security.’

The painting now hung in Roselle House in Robyn’s honour will be a happy memory of her time at Saint Kentigern and the passion she brought to her role.

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