Musicians in Tudor house

Press, 25 November 1982, Page 19

Musicians in Tudor house

How often does'one come across a magnificent, large Tudor mansion in the New Zealand countryside? “Kaleidoscope” (One, 8.30 tomorrow night) came across Trevear, the home of the artist, Elizabeth Grainger, and her jazz musician husband, Jan Kessell, in Katikati and decided the Kessells and their home were suitable for a programme feature. . .. At the moment Elizabeth, Jan and their two small sons .are rattling around in a 4000 sq. ft house — but that means there is room for a

studio with views on three

sides for Elizabeth, an office for Jan, plenty of play space for the kids — and ample room for the Tauranga Big Band rehearsals Jan sometimes has at home. Jan — the nickname comes from his Cornish origins — is developing a kiwifruit orchard on the property in Katikati. It is a part of what was a dairy farm on

which Elizabeth grew up. As well, he is chief child-minder

and cook — the income from Elizabeth’s painting is needed to plough back into the orchard.

Elizabeth’s painting exhibitions have been sell-out successes in Tauranga; her paintings done most recently are vibrantly expressive landscapes, often incorporating Maori symbols and forms; occasionally she ventures into a more surreal mood, including figures in her landscapes. She is also noted as the artist of Tauranga’s centennial mural, now on display at the historic village, a joint portrait of more than 50 people depicting five generations of Tauranga settlers. So why the big house? Here are some clues: it is part of a long-term plan to let Jan enjoy his jazz, In England, there is another artistic couple, Johnny and

Cleo, who have been doing much the same thing in their house. Perhaps when the plan comes to fruition, “Kaleideoscope” cameras will be back at Trevear making another programme.