The country's newest museum is about to open its doors in Otautahi Christchurch, revealling an extensive, previously private art collection that's been gifted to the city. Ravenscar House Museum houses Susan and the late Jim Wakefield's art treasures, gathered over more than four decades - paintings, sculpture, designer furniture and antiquities. Artists in the collection include Colin McCahon, Frances Hodgkins, Charles Goldie and Paul Dibble. The new purpose-designed and built museum and art gallery sits on a former car-park which was donated to the project by the Christchurch City Council. Frances Lojkine is Susan's daughter and has been involved in the project from the start. She tells Lynn Freeman why Susan and Jim were so determined to present this valuable collection to the people of Christchurch. Ravenscar House Museum opens to the public on 8 November.