21 July, 1997

THE ROBERT McDOUGALL ART GALLERY PRESENTS A SHOWCASE OF NEW ZEALAND SILVER FROM THE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND

Our Silver Heritage: 14 August-25 September, 1997

Precious metals have been crafted into both useful and beautiful objects since ancient times, but are now almost a forgotten part of our culture. European gold and silversmiths first brought their skills to New Zealand in the middle of the last century. Celebrating a century of work by New Zealand Silversmiths, the Robert McDougall Art Gallery presents an exhibition of work from the extensive collection of silver at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This showcase provides a rare and exciting opportunity for visitors to see some of the finest examples of silver ever made in New Zealand, including ewers and goblet sets in sterling silver and greenstone, tea services and trays with engraved or hammered decorations and items exhibiting a more intriguing history. One such example includes a ceremonial sterling silver railway spike which was presented to the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, on the completion of the main Trunk Line in November 1908. For those who love the lustre of fine silver and the intricate skills of the silversmith, these equisite examples can be seen at the McDougall between 14 August and 25 September.

The Robert McDougall Art Gallery, located in the Botanic Gardens, is among the country’s most visited public art galleries featuring regularly-changing exhibitions of international and New Zealand historical and contemporary art. The McDougall Art Annex, located in the Arts Centre, features New Zealand and international artists working at the leading edge of contemporary art. Both are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Free guided tours are available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.

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