Examine individual changes

'{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=January 2013}} {{Refimprove|date=December 2009}} {{Infobox building | name = Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | native_name = | image = AAG Clock Tower 2013.jpg | caption = The gallery building, showing the clock tower | former_names = Auckland City Art Gallery | building_type = [[Art gallery]], formerly public library and council offices | architectural_style = French [[Renaissance]] | structural_system = | location = Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets, [[Auckland City]] | owner = | current_tenants = | landlord = | coordinates = {{Coord|-36.8514|174.7663|format=dms|type:landmark_region:NZ|display=inline,title}} | start_date = | completion_date = 1887 | demolition_date = | height = | diameter = | other_dimensions = | floor_count = | floor_area = | main_contractor = | architect = Grainger & [[Charles D'Ebro]] (1887), FJMT + Archimedia (2011) | structural_engineer = | services_engineer = | civil_engineer = | other_designers = | quantity_surveyor = | awards = 2013 World Building of the Year, [[World Architecture Festival]] }} [[File:Auckland Art Gallery Before Extension Works.jpg|thumb|With the extension added on in the 1970s, seen from a nearby parking building.]] [[File:Auckland Art Gallery Extension Works.jpg|thumb|After the demolition of the 1970s extension, in 2009.]] [[File:Auckland Art Gallery - Extension.jpg|thumb|The modern extension completed in 2011.]] '''Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki''' is the principal public gallery in [[Auckland]], New Zealand, and has the most extensive collection of national and international art in New Zealand. It frequently hosts travelling international exhibitions. Set below the hilltop [[Albert Park, Auckland|Albert Park]] in the central-city area of Auckland, the gallery was established in 1888 as the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. The building originally housed the Auckland Art Gallery as well as the [[Auckland public library]] opening with collections donated by benefactors Governor [[Sir George Grey]] and James Tannock Mackelvie. This was the second public art gallery in New Zealand opened three years after the [[Dunedin Public Art Gallery]] in 1884. Wellington’s [[New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts]] opened in 1892 and a [[Wellington Public Library]] in 1893. Christchurch’s Robert McDougall Art Gallery opened in 1932, and was superseded by a spectacular [[Christchurch Art Gallery]] in 2003. Many other cities and towns built public libraries and a few boasted public art galleries, including Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery (1899), Whanganui’s [[Sarjeant Gallery]] (1919) and New Plymouth’s [[Govett-Brewster Art Gallery]] (1970).<ref>{{cite web|last=Schrader|first=Ben|title=Public buildings - Civic and cultural buildings|url=http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/public-buildings/page-3|work=Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|accessdate=April 12, 2012}}</ref> ==History== Throughout the 1870s many people in Auckland felt the city needed a municipal art collection but the newly established Auckland City Council was unwilling to commit funds to such a project. Following pressure by such eminent people as Sir [[Maurice O'Rorke]] (Speaker of the House of Representatives) and others, the building of a combined Art Gallery & Library was made necessary by the promise of significant bequests from two major benefactors; former colonial governor [[George Edward Grey|Sir George Grey]], and [[James Tannock Mackelvie]]. Grey had promised books for a municipal library as early as 1872 and eventually donated large numbers of manuscripts, rare books and paintings from his collection to the Auckland Gallery & Library [in all over 12,500 items, including 53 paintings]. He also gave material to [[Cape Town]], where he had also been governor. The Grey bequest includes works by [[Caspar Netscher]], [[Henry Fuseli]], [[William Blake]] and [[David Wilkie (artist)|David Wilkie]]. Mackelvie was a businessman who had retained an interest in Auckland affairs after returning to Britain. In the early 1880s he announced a gift of 105 framed watercolours, oil paintings, and a collection of drawings. His gift eventually amounted to 140 items, including paintings, decorative arts, ceramics and furniture from his London residence, these form the core of the Mackelvie Trust Collection which is shared between the Auckland City Art Gallery, the Public Library and the Auckland Museum. Mackelvie's will stipulated a separate gallery to display his bequest, this was not popular with the city authorities but a special room was dedicated to the collection in 1893 and eventually the top lit Mackelvie Gallery was built in 1916. The Mackelvie Trust continues to purchase art works to add to the collection which now includes significant 20th-century bronzes by [[Alexander Archipenko|Archipenko]], [[Antoine Bourdelle|Bourdelle]], [[Jacob Epstein|Epstein]], [[Henry Moore|Moore]] and [[Elisabeth Frink]]. ==The collection== The Auckland Gallery collection was initially dominated by European old master paintings following the standard taste of the 19th century. Today the collection has expanded to include a wider variety of periods, styles and media, and numbers over 15,000 artworks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/the-collection/overview-and-policies|title=Explore Art & Ideas|publisher=}}</ref> Many New Zealand and [[Pacific]] artists are represented, as well as [[Europe]] and material from the [[Middle Ages]] to the present day. Notable New Zealand artists with extensive representation include [[Gretchen Albrecht]], [[Marti Friedlander]], [[C.F. Goldie]], [[Alfred Henry O'Keeffe]], [[Frances Hodgkins]], [[Gottfried Lindauer]] and [[Colin McCahon]]. Some of these works were donated by the artists themselves. In 1915 a collection of paintings of Māori by [[Gottfried Lindauer]] was donated to the Gallery by Henry Partridge, an Auckland businessman. He made the gift on the proviso that the people of Auckland raise 10,000 pounds for the Belgium Relief Fund. The money was raised within a few weeks. Another major benefactor was [[Lucy Carrington Wertheim]]. Miss Wertheim was an art gallery owner in London and through her support of expatriate artist Frances Hodgkins bestowed on the Auckland Art Gallery a representative collection of British paintings from the interwar period. Her gifts in 1948 and 1950 totalled 154 works by modern British artists, including [[Christopher Wood (English painter)|Christopher Wood]], [[Frances Hodgkins]], [[Phelan Gibb]], [[R. O. Dunlop]] and [[Alfred Wallis]]. The Wertheim collection was initially displayed in a separate room opened by the Mayor [[John Allum|J. A. C. Allum]] on 2 December 1948. In 1953 [[Rex Nan Kivell]] donated an important collection of prints, including work by [[George French Angas]], [[Sydney Parkinson]], [[Nicholas Chevalier]], and [[Augustus Earle]]. The 1960s saw the arrival of the Watson Bequest, a collection of European medieval art. In 1967 the Spencer collection of early English and New Zealand watercolours was donated, this included early New Zealand views by [[John Gully]], [[John Hoyt]], and [[John Kinder (clergyman)|John Kinder]]. In 1982 on the death of Dr Walter Auburn, print collector and valued adviser to the Gallery's prints and drawings department, the Mackelvie Trust received his magnificent collection of over one and a half thousand prints, including work by [[Jacques Callot|Callot]], [[Francesco Piranesi|Piranesi]], [[Stefano della Bella|della Bella]] and [[Wenceslaus Hollar|Hollar]]. In 1952 [[Eric Westbrook]] was appointed as the first full-time director of the Art Gallery (previously the Head Librarian was formally in charge of both the Gallery and Library). He was succeeded in 1955 by [[Peter Tomory]] who stayed until 1965. Both men sought to revitalise the Gallery and introduce modern art to a largely conservative public in the face of resistance from a largely hostile City Council. The 1956 Spring Exhibition 'Object and Image' showed works by modern artists such as [[John Weeks (painter)|John Weeks]], [[Louise Henderson]], [[Milan Mrkusich]], [[Colin McCahon]], [[Kase Jackson]] and [[Ross Fraser]]. Other controversial exhibitions, including [[Henry Moore]] and [[Barbara Hepworth]], resulted in serious confrontation between the Council and Tomory, resulting in his resignation. Tomory's intended purchase of Hepworth's ''Torso II'' in 1963 (likened by one councillor to 'the buttock of a dead cow') changed the climate of art and culture in New Zealand. Even the conservative ''NZ Herald'' pointed out to its readers, "It is no function of an Art Gallery to be stuffed with exhibits which everyone can comprehend." The bronze statue was privately bought by local businessman George Wooler and anonymously donated to the Gallery. In 1988, Christopher Johnstone succeeded Rodney Wilson as director. During his 8 years as director major exhibitions included ''Pablo Picasso: The artist before nature'' (1989), ''Rembrandt to Renoir'', which attracted a record attendance for an exhibition charge exhibition of 210,000 (1993) and, in 1995, a programme marking the centennial of the artist's visit to the gallery, including the exhibition ''Paul Gauguin: Pages from the Pacific'' and a major book: ''Gauguin and Maori Art''. Other achievements during his incumbency were the funding and development of the New Gallery for contemporary art, which opened in 1995, the establishment of Haerewa, the Maori Advisory Group and a significant range of acquisitions for the collection and the Mackelvie Trust including works by including works by Vanessa Bell, John Nash, John Tunnard, Anish Kapoor, Jesus Rafael Soto and Ed Ruscha. On 4 April 2012, it was announced that the Auckland Art Gallery would join the [[Google Art Project|Google Art project]]. 'It is a fantastic opportunity to share with the rest of the world some of the best of our New Zealand and international collection,' said RFA Gallery Director Chris Saines.<ref>Auckland Art Gallery joins Google Art Project {{cite web|url=http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/news/auckland-art-gallery-joins-google-art-project |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-04-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120022438/http://www.aucklandartgallery.com:80/whats-on/news/auckland-art-gallery-joins-google-art-project |archivedate=20 November 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> 'People can learn about and enjoy New Zealand art up close even when they are on the other side of the planet.' Auckland Art Gallery has contributed 85 artworks to the project: 56 are from its New Zealand Pacific collection and 29 by international artists. The Gallery's two Senior Curators, Ron Brownson (New Zealand and Pacific Art) and Mary Kisler (Mackelvie Collection, International Art), selected the works. Examples of New Zealand art now available via Google Art Project include Colin McCahon's On Building Bridges (1952) and paintings by Dunedin-born Frances Hodgkins. ==Buildings== The main gallery building was originally designed by [[Melbourne]] architects Grainger & [[Charles D'Ebro|D'Ebro]] to house not only the art gallery but also the City Council offices, lecture theatre and public library. It is constructed of brick and plaster in an early French [[Renaissance]] style and was completed in 1887, with an extension built in 1916.<ref name="GALLERY UPGRADE">''[http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/2921903/Gallery-upgrade-reveals-the-past Gallery upgrade reveals the past]'' - ''[[Auckland City Harbour News]]'', Friday 2 October 2009</ref> It is three storeys high, with an attic in the steep pitched roofs, and a six storey clock tower. The building was registered as a Category I heritage item by [[Heritage New Zealand]] on 24 November 1983, listed with registration number 92.<ref name=register>{{NZHPT|92|Auckland City Art Gallery|20 September 2011}}</ref> The new building eventually proved too small to house all the Council departments and overflow space in the Customs House in Customs Street was found to be necessary. Following the completion of the Auckland Town Hall in 1911 all Council departments left the Gallery building allowing expansion of Gallery facilities, including extra workshop space for art classes. Several artists maintained studio space in the complex during the period just after the war; the weaver [[Ilse von Randow]] utilised the clock tower rooms and created onsite the Art Gallery Ceremonial curtains, executed as part of the 1950s modernisation. In 1969 the art classes and studios were relocated to Ponsonby where a decommissioned Police Station by [[John Campbell (architect)|John Campbell]] at 1 Ponsonby Road was relaunched as 'Artstation' which continues the gallery outreach programmes. From 1969 to 1971 the building underwent remodelling and a new wing and sculpture garden were added. This was the result of the lavish Philip Edmiston bequest which had been announced in 1946, which had stipulated the building of a new gallery. In 1971 the Public library was moved to the new [[Auckland City Libraries|Auckland Public Library]] building by Ewen Wainscott in nearby Lorne Street.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} In the late 2000s, a major extension was mooted, which caused substantial criticism from some quarters due to its cost, design and the fact that land from Albert Park would be required for the extension. In late 2007, the Gallery closed for extensive renovations, and re-opened on 3 September 2011. During this time of closure, temporary exhibitions were held at the NEW Gallery on the corner of Wellesley and Lorne Streets. The new renovation and expansion of the Gallery creates at least 50 per cent additional display space. In 2008, Council decided to go ahead with the extension, which finished in 2011 for a total of NZ$113 million, of which [[Auckland City Council]] contributed just under NZ$50 million. The expansion design by Australian architecture firm [[Richard Francis-Jones|FJMT]] in partnership with Auckland-based Archimedia,<ref>Auckland Art Gallery: [http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/about-us/gallery-development/architects "Architects"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227103559/http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/about-us/gallery-development/architects |date=27 February 2013 }}, retrieved 21 April 2013</ref> increased exhibition space by 50%, for up to 900 artworks,<ref name="GALLERY UPGRADE"/> and provided dedicated education, child and family spaces.<ref>''CityScene'' - [[Auckland City Council]] newspaper, 23 November 2008, Page 1</ref> As part of the upgrade, existing parts of the structure were renovated and restored to its 1916 state - amongst other things ensuring that the 17 different floor levels in the building were reduced to just 6.<ref name="GALLERY UPGRADE"/> The redevelopment has to date received 17 architectural and 6 design-related awards,<ref>Auckland Art Gallery: [http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/media/4308400/mr_international_recognition.pdf "Media release 15 November 2012"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227104639/http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/media/4308400/mr_international_recognition.pdf |date=27 February 2013 }}</ref> including the [[World Architecture Festival]]'s 2013 World Building of the Year.<ref>World Architecture Festival: [http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/news-detail.cfm?newsId=347 "Auckland gallery is World Building of the Year"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005000000/http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/news-detail.cfm?newsId=347 |date=5 October 2013 }}</ref> One of the sealed entrances to the [[Albert Park tunnels]] can be found behind the Art Gallery on Wellesley Street.<ref name="GALLERY UPGRADE" /> ==Directors== Although founded in 1888, the Gallery did not employ a professional director until the appointment of Englishman Eric Westbrook in 1952.<ref>{{cite web|title=History / Our directors|url=http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/about/history-and-collection/directors|website=Auckland Art Gallery|accessdate=4 January 2016}}</ref> * 2013–present: [[Rhana Devenport]] * 1996 - 2013: Chris Saines * 1988 - 1995: Christopher Johnstone * 1981 - 1988: Dr [[Rodney Wilson|T.L. Rodney Wilson]] * 1979 - 1981: Grant Kirby (Acting Director) * 1974 - 1979: Professor Ernest Smith * 1972 - 1974: Richard Teller Hirsch * 1965 - 1972: Gil Docking * 1956 - 1965: Professor Peter Tomory * 1952 - 1955: Dr Eric Westbrook == Exhibitions == === Current Exhibitions === ''The Māori Portraits: Gottfried Lindauer’s New Zealand'' 22 Oct 2016 — 19 Feb 2017 (Free Entry) ''Lee Mingwei and His Relations: The Art of Participation'' 5 Nov 2016 — 19 Mar 2017 ($10 – $12.50, Members and Children 12 and under Free) ''Ann Shelton: Dark Matter'' 26 Nov 2016 — 17 Apr 2017 (Free Entry) ''Game Changers: International Modernism'' 27 Aug 2016 — 25 Jun 2017 (Free Entry) ''The Us in I'' 10 Sep 2016 — 25 Jun 2017 (Free Entry) ''Time: Connecting Past and Future'' 18 Jun 2016 — 26 Nov 2017 (Free Entry) ''Judy Darragh: Limbo'' 2 Dec 2015 — 26 Mar 2017 (Free Entry) ''History Sees Division'' 18 Jun 2016 — 26 Nov 2017 (Free Entry) ''The Subject in the Land'' 18 Jun 2016 — 26 Nov 2017 (Free Entry) ''An Overture to the Text'' 30 Jul 2016 — 19 Mar 2017 (Free Entry) ''To All New Arrivals'' 27 Aug 2016 — 23 Apr 2017 (Free Entry) ''X Marks the Spot: Histories Negotiated'' 27 Aug 2016 — 2 Jul 2017 (Free Entry) ''Oscar Enberg: Troubles de la croissance (der ursprung des pendels)'' 3 Dec 2016 — 18 Jun 2017 (Free Entry) === Coming Soon === ''The Body Laid Bare: Masterpieces from Tate'' 18 Mar 2017 — 16 Jul 2017 ($23, Members and Children 12 and under Free) == References == {{Reflist}} *New Zealand Home & Building Souvenir Edition; The 1950s Show 1993. *Decently and in Order; the Centennial History of the Auckland City Council. G.W.A Bush 1971 ==External links== {{Commonscatinline}} * {{official|http://www.aucklandartgallery.com }} {{MuseumAuckland}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki}} [[Category:Art museums and galleries in New Zealand]] [[Category:Museums in Auckland]] [[Category:NZHPT Category I listings in the Auckland Region|Art Gallery]] [[Category:Art museums established in 1887]] [[Category:1887 establishments in New Zealand]] [[Category:1880s architecture in New Zealand]]'