Norman Barrett (1922–2010) generously bequeathed Christchurch Art Gallery $1.8 million to be spent on acquiring work by Canterbury artists for a Barrett Bequest Collection. An enthusiastic supporter of the arts in Christchurch, Norman regularly attended art gallery openings throughout the city. He made many friends in Christchurch’s art circles including crime writer Ngaio Marsh and artist William Sutton. Norman Barrett’s bequest is an extremely generous act to the citizens of Christchurch and will enable many important additions to be made to the City’s art collection in the future.