Owen, Richard Bedward
Dates
- Existence: 1873 - 1948
Biography
Richard Owen, a Christchurch tailor, arrived in New Zealand from Shrewsbury in 1904. He had a successful tailoring business and shop, Owen's Ltd., which was at its peak in 1924-1928. He did a great deal for the beautification of Christchurch's riverbanks, hence his nickname, Riverbank Owen. Perhaps his greatest achievement was the upgrading of Millbrook Reserve, he developed the one-acre wilderness from 1917 onwards. It adjoined the property owned by the Helmore family.
He was the organiser of the River Improvement Fund, which gave work to the unemployed during the Depression. He also supported music in the city, being President of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society and of the Woolston Brass Band.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Gethin Owen letter
Photocopy of manuscript letter, and typescript copy of a letter by Gethin Owen about his father, Richard Bedwood Owen, and his contribution to the beautification of Christchurch's riverbanks and to the city's musical life.