As autumn sets in, why not indulge yourself with a little bit of escapism? Follow William (Bill) Sutton on his Italian tour at Christchurch Art Gallery, then relax with a traditional high tea courtesy of Alchemy Restaurant and Bar.

W.A.Sutton: Watercolours of Italy is a collection of paintings from Sutton’s eight-month Italian sojourn in 1973 – 4, this free exhibition sees the Christchurch artist, well known for his portrayals of the Canterbury landscape, using his paintbrush to reflect on Italian architecture.

Through a collection of exquisite watercolours, visitors will find themselves wandering from city to city, from the Colosseum in Rome, to the Boboli Gardens in Florence and the streets of Anghiari in Tuscany.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Alchemy is offering you the chance to continue your European experience with an indulgent high tea.

Treat yourself to poached salmon and chive mini club sandwiches, mini bacon and egg tarts, scones with rhubarb jam and vanilla cream, chocolate fudge slices and mini fruit salad with passion fruit pulp, all served with tea or coffee. Or for that little extra, choose a glass of Deutz bubbly!

This special promotion runs 1 – 21 March, 2:30 – 4:30pm. Bookings essential, phone (03) 941 7311. $16 per person ($21 with a glass of Deutz).

For more details, visit Christchurch Art Gallery at www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz