Restoring memories: A bath with a colourful new life

17 Apr 2024

Within a heritage-listed homestead, amidst the serene beauty of nature, lay a unique piece of furniture with a touching story of love, loss and cherished memories. What once was an old bath, has been transformed into a seat that not only offers comfort but serves as a beautiful tribute to a beloved mother.

Dannika Tukua, the talented artist behind this remarkable restoration project, shares the heart-warming journey of bringing new life to this cherished heirloom.

"I chose to restore this bath for a friend. It was her mother’s, who has now passed away," Dannika says. “She had talked about having it restored for a long time.”

A beautiful tribute and restoration of a special heirloom painted by Dannika Tukua. The bath is painted in a range of colours including Resene Staycation, Resene Poppy, Resene Aloe Vera, Resene Spring FeverResene Dark Oak, Resene Ballerina and Resene Lima. 

The bath, once a cherished possession of Janette's mother, held a special place in her heart. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the significance each element held, Dannika began restoring the bath.

"Everything included in the mural has a special or symbolic meaning," Dannika says. “The Ruru is her spirit bird, the roses, butterflies and strawberries are some of Janette’s mums favourites, and the forget me not flowers were a special addition.”

Today, the transformed bath seat stands as a testament to the enduring bond between mothers and daughters. "Jeanette often sits in the seat now with her children and grandchild and enjoys a cup of tea," Dannika says.

For Janette, it's not just a piece of furniture; it's a cherished link to her past, a tangible expression of her mother's love and presence.

Dannika’s artistic skills have made this bath something truly special.

The choice of colours, soft pastels interspersed with bright pops of colour, reflects the tranquil beauty of the natural environment and homestead it now calls home. "The bath now blends nicely with its environment," Dannika says.

This project stands not just as a work of art but as a timeless tribute to a cherished mother - a seat where memories are made and hearts find solace in the embrace of a love that transcends time.

Artist Dannika Tukua with the painted bath project.

To see more of Dannika’s work, visit her website Art By Dannika Tukua, and to watch the video of the bath project click here. 

Published: 17 Apr 2024