Presentation of mural designed and painted (1969) by Lady Burns.

In August 1969, Mrs R. A. Burns, wife of the Principal, presented to the College the result of her artistic labour over some 16 months in the form of a most striking mural. This has been erected on the wall of the foyer, first floor, Hilgendorf building, and all visitors including Old Students will find this a work of art attracting admiration and interest. Mrs Burns' description of the work is as follows:

"The mural has been designed to commemorate the opening of the Hilgendorf Wing 1968, and in general terms its theme relates to the functions and activities of Lincoln College in the period immediately preceding this date from the time the Refectory was opened in 1954. Changes at the College are constantly taking place, and in this sense the mural is historical and will become more so as time goes on. For example, on two occasions in the past decade the demolition of Ivey Hall due to obsolescence and safety factors has been proposed. Fortunately this has been avoided, but in the interests of safety the chimneys already have been removed and during the next few months much of the ornamental stonework will be modified. I have felt that Ivey Hall is a building of such historic and unique interest—being both an early Canterbury landmark and the original building of the oldest agricultural college in the Southern Hemisphere—that it should be preserved, at least in pictorial form, as it originally stood. This, then, was the thought initiating the mural. However, as the design developed this concept was broadened to include many other aspects of the College: its central campus, the varied activities of its staff and students, and its panoramic setting." Source: 1969 Lincoln College Magazine (No. 94 1969) p. 16.

View the mural here: LU005