“Richard Wotton is my neighbor and I was aware of his extensive photographic cataloguing of art deco houses, not only in Wanganui but also throughout New Zealand. Intending to be helpful, but also to have fun with Richard, I would photograph these houses if I found one that was quirky. On my way to Hawkes Bay and poking round back streets I found one in Woodville that I was sure he would not have encountered. When I told him I had found one in Woodville, he said “Is it in Ormond Street?” I didn’t have the answer to the street name, so he asked “Does it have a verandah that looks like it is frowning over the front doors?” Then he went to his studio and brought out a copy of the image ‘Art Deco House #3’. I have included this photograph in my choices because it reminds me of my failure trying to find a house that Richard was not already familiar with.”
Jim Norris, a retired farmer and company manager, for the March 2020 instalment of the My Choice exhibition series.