John Densem

John Densem was born in Timaru 14-2-42, died Christchurch 16-7-89.

1955-60 Educated Timaru Boys High School.
1957-8 Rotary Exchange Scholar Morrill, Nebraska, USA.
1961-3 Attended University of Auckland and School of Fine Arts.
1964-5 Draughtsman, Auckland Regional Planning Authority.
1965-6 Industrial Designer, Design Associates, Auck.
1966-7 Head Designer, Claude Neon Lights, Auck.
1967-72 Head Designer, Crown Crystal Glass, ChCh.
1973-5 Freelance design consultant, ChCh.
1975-7 Bandleader, Chateau Commodore Hotel, ChCh.
1977-82 Graphic Designer, ChCh City Council.
1982-3 Theatrical Producer, NZ Roadshow Trust, ChCh.
1983-4 Special Projects Officer, ChCh City Council.
1984-9 freelance writer and composer; 1986 Writer in Residence, Court Theatre, ChCh.

1961- jazz pianist and accompanist in Auckland and Christchurch working with many performers, especially Malcolm McNeill.
1974-5 Resident Pianist TVNZ Series "Pop Co" and "Norman".
1985 ChCh Talent Co-ordinator "Telethon 85".
1980-8 musical director and pianist for theatre productions, particularly at the Court Theatre.
1988 Assistant director, producer, composer for "Onztage", NZ Week production at EXPO 88, Brisbane, Australia.

Author of plays, including "Study", "The man who made model railways" and "The Bandroom" (all 1984). Designer of books particularly on Town Planning subjects, including "Cycling in Christchurch" (1979), "District Planning in New Zealand" (1985). Author and designer of "A Christchurch Chronology - One thousand years of settlement" (1983).

Other designs include: presentation bowl for HM Queen Elizabeth II (ChCh 1971); chandeliers for Limes Room, ChCh Town Hall (1972); Urgent Pharmacy (New Regent St, ChCh, 1973), School bus and tour coach designs (Mid-Canterbury Transport, Ashburton 1978); "Central Christchurch Isometric Drawing" (1978, updated 1989); Hanrahan Street slow street scale model (1981). Awards include: McKenzie Scholar, Timaru Boys High School 1960; Designmark (for EXPO 70 glassware) 1971; APRA Silver Scroll (special award for "Roadshow") 1983.

Married Prue Hibberdine 1964, 2 daughters, 2 sons.