The Friends began with a simple question in 1975: could a group of local people help foster interest in the Aigantighe Art Gallery? Fifty years later, the answer is visible in the collection, the openings, the conservation projects, the volunteers, the fundraising, the advocacy, and the friendships that have helped the Gallery connect to its community.

Since their establishment in 1976, the Friends of the Aigantighe volunteers have played a vital and lasting role in the development and success of the Aigantighe Art Gallery. Their legacy is evident throughout the gallery’s collection, physical spaces, and community engagement, reflecting decades of generosity, commitment, and civic pride.

At the heart of South Canterbury’s story stands the Aigantighe Art Gallery, a place where art, heritage and community have been woven together for generations. The Friends of Aigantighe exist to help protect that legacy and inspire a love of art, culture and local history in everyone who visits.

As an incorporated society and registered charity, the Friends play a vital role in supporting the Gallery’s future. We help receive donations and bequests on the Gallery’s behalf, raise funds independently, and share the story of the Aigantighe with the wider community.

Our guiding belief is simple: the Aigantighe is South Canterbury’s home of art. It belongs on its historic site, with its collection cared for, preserved and developed for future generations.

Be inspired. Be involved. Be part of the Friends of Aigantighe.

The Friends of Aigantighe support the Gallery by helping protect its heritage, strengthen its future, and keep the love of art alive in South Canterbury.

We do this by raising funds, receiving donations and bequests, supporting Gallery events and openings, sharing Gallery news with the wider community, and helping care for the public art collection through conservation, restoration, and future collection development.

We also advocate for the long-term needs of the Aigantighe, including the restoration of the historic house, which also meant advocating to keep the Gallery on its original site, and improving storage and back-of-house facilities so the collection can be safely preserved and made accessible for future generations.

As an independent incorporated society and registered charity, we are not governors of the Gallery, but we have an important role as supporters, fundraisers, communicators and champions for South Canterbury’s home of art.

For the Friends of Aigantighe, supporting the Gallery means looking after both its past and its future.

It means protecting the generous gift made to the people of Timaru. The Friends believe the Gallery should be a place where art can be seen, studied, cared for and enjoyed. A place where local stories are shared, artists are supported, visitors are welcomed, and future generations can feel that the Aigantighe is their home of art too.

Our role is to help keep that vision alive, through fundraising, communication, community support and a clear, consistent voice for the Gallery’s future.

We honour the gift. We support the Gallery. We help inspire what comes next.

Preserving the Collection

One of the most significant contributions of the Friends has been their support for the conservation of artworks in the permanent collection. Through dedicated fundraising and donor support, they have raised over $4,000 to professionally restore more than fifteen artworks. These include key pieces such as The Mother by Thomas Kennington and The Gymnast by Francis Shurrock. Many of the restored works on paper were affected by foxing, a type of mould which made them unsuitable for standard storage or public display. To relieve pressure on the gallery’s limited storage facilities and safeguard the wider collection, the Friends prioritised these restorations to bring the works to exhibition standard and reintegrate them safely into the gallery environment. The Friends continue to support this work, with eleven further artworks currently identified for conservation. Their efforts ensure that the collection remains in good condition for both present and future audiences.

Art store at the Aigantighe Art Gallery

Artworks that have been conserved with Friends of Aigantighe sponsorship

1. Fishing Boat on the River Staithes | Sydney Thompson (New Zealander, b.1877, d.1973) | 1901 | Oil on canvas | 1968.26
2. The Unemployed | William Greene (New Zealander, b.1871, d.1925) | 1912 | Oil on canvas | 2002.9
3. Timaru Harbour | William Menzies Gibb (Scottish, b.1859, d.1931) | 1888 | Oil on canvas | 2002.10
4. Caroline Bay | Albert Rae (New Zealander, b.1885, d.1971) | 1923 | Etching on paper | 1997.48
5. Power and Glory | Betty Curnow (New Zealander, b.1911, d.2005) | 1972 | Etching | 1999.14
6. Broadstairs Pier | Frank Short (English, b.1857, d.1945) | 1920 | Etching on paper | 1983.72
7. Brig Sailing Into Port | Frederick Aldridge (English, b.1850, d.1933) | Unknown | Watercolour on card | 1956.1
8. An Old Corsican | Gerald Brockhurst (English, b.1890, d.1978) | 1921 | Etching on paper | 1983.70
9. Untitled | George Lambert (Australia, b.1873, d.1930) | Unknown | Pen and ink on card | 1961.4
10. Pyramid of Caius Cestius | Giovanni Piranesi (Italian, b.1720, d.1778) | Circa 1745 | Etching on paper | 1982.1
11. Untitled (Self Portrait) | Jason Greig (New Zealander, b.1963) | Unknown | Etching on paper | 1991.18
12. Untitled Landscape | Leonard Squirrell (b.1893, d.1979) | Unknown | Etching and drypoint on paper | 1983.79
13. Navvy | James Guthrie (Scottish, b.1859, d.1930) | 1890 | Pastel on paper | 1972.4
14. Alexander Grant | Unknown | Unknown | Pencil and watercolour on cardboard | 1998.38
15. The Brook | Vincent Waagrez | Unknown | Oil on canvas | 1965.17
16. Green Autumn Te Henga | Don Binney (New Zealander, b.1940, d.2012) | 1965 | Oil on board | 1979.2
17. The Mother | Thomas Kennington (English, b.1856, d.1916) | 1895 | Oil on canvas | 1956.37
18. The Gymnast | Francis Shurrock (New Zealander, b.1887, d.1977) | Circa 1927 | Bronze | 1981.6
19. On the Tops Paringa | Austen Deans (New Zealander, b.1915, d.2011) | 1969 | Water colour on paper | 2021.24.1
20. Portrait of Maureen Raymond | Olivia Spencer-Bower (English, b.1905, d.1982) | 1929 | Watercolour on paper | 1979.13
21. Study for Settlement (Timaru) | Vivian Lynn (New Zealander, b.1931, d.2018) | Circa 1964 | Mixed media on paper | 1988.11
22. Kimbell | Jessie Wigley (New Zealander, b.1883, d.1968) | Unknown | Watercolour on paper glued to board | 1998.35
23. Magnolias | Gypsy Poulston (New Zealander, b.1924, d.2016) | 1968 | Watercolour and pastel on paper | 1995.13
24. Boats | Ruth Millar (New Zealander, b.1914, d.2006) | Unknown | Watercolour on paper | 2022.124.1
25. Blue Staccato | Rosemary Campbell (New Zealander, b.1941) | Unknown | Watercolour on paper | 2022.138.1
26. New Year | Eileen Mayo (English, b.1906, d.1994) | Unknown | Engraving on paper | 2018.25.1
27. Untitled [Saint Augustine’s Church, Waimate] | Eileen Mayo (English, b.1906, d.1994) | Unknown | Print on paper | 2022.10.1
28. Cabbage Tree | Vivian Lynn (New Zealander, b.1931, d.2018) | 1964 | Oil on board, framed, unglazed | 2022.146.1
29. Boats | Albert Rae (New Zealander, b.1885, d.1971) | Unknown | Etching on paper | 1997.17
30. Power and Glory | Betty Curnow (New Zealander, b.1911, d.2005) | 1971 | Etching on paper | 1993.8
31. Alexander Grant (a portrait) | Jessie Wigley (New Zealander, b.1883, d.1968) | Unknown | Charcoal on paper | 1980.32
32. Untitled (Birds and Figures) | Theo Schoon (b.1915, d.1985) | 1946-1949 | Pencil on pergamyn paper | 2010.4
33. Anna in 1942 | Toss Woollaston (New Zealander, b.1910, d.1998) | 1942 | Lithograph on paper, ink inside | 1982.20
34. Caroline Bay Timaru during a Southerly Gale | Russell Clark | c.1950, acrylic on board | Lattimore bequest and the Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery, given in 1995
35. Mt Cook | Hugh Nevill-Smith (Australia) | Unknown | Watercolour on paper | 1956.46
36. The Cathedral and Archbishop's House, Albi (or Albi Cathedral + Palais de la Berbie) | Edith Hope (English, b.1870, d.1942) | 1921 | Etching on paper | 1956.34
37. Sheep Shearing in a Barn | Walter Stacey | 1908 | Watercolour on paper | 1956.58
38. Landscape / At Addington, Kent | David Cox | 1841 | Watercolour on paper | 1956.13
39. Cattle | Unknown | Unknown | Oil on canvas | 1956.60
40. Lonely Glory of Everest | Randolph Holmes (English, b.1888, d.1973) | Unknown | Oil on canvas on board | 1956.31
41. K2 Karakoram | Randolph Holmes (English, b.1888, d.1973) | Unknown | Oil on hardboard | 1956.30
42. Return of the Canoes | Walter Wright (English, b.1866, d.1933) | 1913 | Oil on canvas | 1956.64
43. Four Peaks, Waihi Gorge | Bruce Don | Unknown | Oil on canvas on board | 1956.66
44. Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki | John Perrett (Scottish, b.1859, d.1937) | 1896 | Oil on canvas | 1956.48
45. Batwing | Jason Greig (New Zealander, b.1963) | 1988 | Etching on paper | 1998.46
46. Untitled | Ando Hiroshige (Japanese, b.1797, d.1858) | 1862 | Colour woodcut on paper | 1980.4
47. Mr G S Jones gets the Wanderlust | E R Leeming's Studio | Circa 1934-Circa 1935 | Pen and ink and cut-out photograph | 2010.5
48. Arizona Desert | Hugh Nevill-Smith (Australia) | 1929 | Watercolour on paper | 1991.3
49. Untitled - Nude Woman | Albert Rae (New Zealander, b.1885, d.1971) | Unknown | Pencil | 1987.6

A.J. RAE (1885-1971) Caroline Bay (1923). Etching on paper. Before conservation. Adopted by the Friends $233.30 

Expanding Gallery Facilities

The Friends have contributed significantly to the development of the gallery’s physical infrastructure. They played a central role in fundraising for the 1978 extension, which provided much-needed exhibition and back-of-house space. They also supported the design and construction of the 1995 climate-controlled painting store, improving long-term care for the growing collection. These developments have strengthened the gallery’s ability to function as a public institution of regional and national importance.

Supporting Public Engagement

The Friends have consistently enhanced the gallery experience for the community. They have funded essential amenities, including a stereo sound system, audience seating, and the Yamaha grand piano still used today for concerts and events. They also commissioned the casting of The Gymnast sculpture to mark the opening of the new gallery wing in 1978. Their support has extended to educational events, exhibition openings, and public fundraising initiatives such as the popular garden parties held in the sculpture garden. These efforts have helped foster a strong relationship between the gallery and its community.

WuHoo And Aigantighe Art History at the Port of Timaru featuring artwork by Mollie Stevens. This was a collaboration with the Aigantighe Art Gallery, the South Canterbury Museum, Friends of Aigantighe, and WuHoo Timaru. A trail and guide encouraging people to explore the network of signs helps people to connect to art in the Galleries collection as place-based storytelling. The project has been a huge success, ultimately supporting the profile of the gallery, and raising the awareness and appreciation of art in our community and to visitors.

Volunteer Contribution

For twenty-four years, from 1995 to 2019, the Friends maintained a volunteer front desk programme at the gallery. Volunteers welcomed visitors, supported exhibition operations, and contributed to gallery security and retail services. Many individuals gave generously of their time, with some, such as Wendy Doig, volunteering on a weekly basis for more than a decade. This dedication created a welcoming environment and helped extend the gallery’s reach and accessibility.

A Legacy of Generosity and Vision

The Friends of the Aigantighe have built a legacy founded on stewardship, advocacy and public service. Their support has ensured the care and conservation of the art collection, enabled essential infrastructure, and enriched the gallery’s cultural life. Their contributions have shaped the Aigantighe into a gallery that is truly of its place. It is a gallery built and sustained by its community, for the benefit of generations to come.

Heather Hill
Verbascum Olypicum, Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden. 1998
Watercolour on paper
Aigantighe Art Gallery Permanent Collection Acc. No. 2001.9.
Given in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery.

Photos of an exhibition that celebrated the legacy of the Friends of Aigantighe's contribution to the perminant collection.

Donated artwork

1. Study from Life | Francis Shurrock (New Zealander, b.1887, d.1977) | 1908 | Bronze | 1978.8
2. Folded Lip | Tony Kuepfer (American, b.1947) | 1982 | Glass | 1982.24
3. Black Cylinder | Tony Kuepfer (American, b.1947) | 1982 | Glass | 1982.25
4. Patch Black | Tony Kuepfer (American, b.1947) | 1982 | Glass | 1982.26
5. Impressions of Nature | Keith Blight (b.1933, d.2017) | 1982 | Stoneware pot | 1983.1
6. Galactic Deer | Patti Meads | Circa 1983 | Porcelain plate with gold and platinum lustre | 1983.67
7. Navy blue welted bowl | Ann Robinson (b.1944) | Unknown | Glass | 1983.68
8. Vase of four pink acid frosted flowers (five items in set) | Ann Robinson (b.1944) | Unknown | Glass | 1983.69
9. Caroline Bay Timaru during a Southerly Gale | Russell Clark (1905-66) | c1950 | Acrylic on board | Aigantighe Art Gallery Collection, Lattimore bequest and the Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery, given in 1995
10. Koru 1 | Eddie Poulston (b.1920, d.2010) | 1990 | Copper & Oamaru stone | 1990.22
11. Sisters Communing II | Jacqueline Fahey (New Zealander, b.1929) | 1990 | Oil and collage on board | 1990.23
12. Crayfishermen II | Lindsay Crooks (b.1957, d.2005) | 1992 | Watercolour, pastel on paper | 1992.27
13. My Father’s Chair | Philippa Wilson (b.1966) | 1994 | Steel and gold leaf | 1994.18
14. Land/Columns | Brent Forbes (New Zealander) | 1994 | mixed media on paper | 1995.2
15. Sea Birds | Trevor Askin (New Zealander, b.1954) | 1998 | Cast bronze | 1998.27
16. Hanging Rock, Pleasant Point | Edwyn Temple | Circa 1886 | Watercolour on paper | 2001.10
17. White Cat and Poppies | Eileen Mayo (English, b.1906, d.1994) | 1985 | Screen Print - artist's proof | 2001.8
18. Verbascum Olympicum, Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden | Heather Person-Hill (New Zealander, b.1935) | 1998 | Watercolour on paper | 2001.9
19. Blackett: Blackett on the Breakwater 2 June 1880 | Mike Armstrong (New Zealander, b.1954) | 2019 | Acrylic on Canvas, unframed | 2019.24.1
20. Untitled [Folder of working drawings for Blackett] | Mike Armstrong (New Zealander, b.1954) | 2019 | Approximately 23 works on paper and notes of various sizes | 2019.24.2
21. Grey Autumn Day, Central Otago | Douglas Badcock (b.1922, d.2009) | 1989 | Oil on board, framed and unglazed | 2019.52.1
22. Outer Harbour, Portsoy, Banffshire | Colin Wheeler (New Zealander, b.1919, d.2012) | Unknown | Water colour on paper, framed and glazed | 2019.53.1
23. Untitled [Scottish Landscape] | Olivia Spencer-Bower (English, b.1905, d.1982) | 1930 | Watercolour and ink on paper | 2019.54.1
24. Decanter II | Bill Culbert (b.1935, d.2019) | 2004 | Photograph on paper, edition 1/24 | 2020.21.1
25. Unknown title | Christine Webster (b.1958) | Unknown | Cyberchrome photographic print | 2020.22.1
26. Interior III | Sandra Kelly (New Zealander, b.1948) | 2020 | Acrylic on canvas, framed, unglazed | 2020.34.1
27. Nga kai o te Moana | Francine Spencer (New Zealander) | 2023 | Acrylic on board | 2023.18.1
28. Infinite or Finite?, Lens Series 2 | Roselyn Cloake (New Zealander) | 2023 | Acrylic on canvas | 2023.28.1
29. Aigantighe Chandelier | Crystal Chain Gang | 2025 | Glass Chandelier | 2025.20.1
30. Aigantighe Chandelier Parts [example glass icicles for public handling] | Crystal Chain Gang | 2025 | Glass Chandelier parts | 2025.20.2
31. Untitled | Daisy Le Cren (b.1881, d.1951) | 1923 | Watercolour on paper, framed and glazed | 2026.1.1

Patch Black, Folded Lip, and Black Cylinder and | Tony Kuepfer | 1982 | Glass | Aigantighe Art Gallery Collection | Given by the Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery in 1982.

Unveiling of Blackett's Story | Mike Armstrong. Comissioned by Friends of Aigantighe with the Aigantighe support. The artwork was photographed and printed onto an Art History sign as part of the Coastal Art Trail.

LEFT Bill Culbert. Decanter II. Photograph 2004. RIGHT Christine Webster. Untitled. Photograph

In 2024, the Friends purchased these two artworks for the Aigantighe Art Gallery collection. Their stories now reach beyond the gallery walls, with reproductions on display at CPlay Playground, recently named Playground of the Year.

Ngā kai o te Moana. Francine Spencer, New Zealander, 2023. Acrylic on board. Aigantighe Art Gallery collection, 2023.18.1
Infinite or Finite?, Lens Series 2. Roselyn Cloake, New Zealander, 2023. Acrylic on canvas. Aigantighe Art Gallery collection, 2023.28.1

Friends of Aigantighe volunteers celebrate their 40th year with the Aigantighe Art Galleries exhibition.

With a Little Help from our Friends...

In 2026, the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery celebrated 50years of supporting the gallery.

Since 1976, the Friends have worked alongside the Aigantighe to encourage interest in the gallery, support exhibitions and help strengthen the collection for the benefit of the community. Formed in August 1976 with around 300 original members, the group began with a simple but generous purpose: to bring people together through art, to support the life of the gallery, and to assist with the purchase of artworks.

Over the past five decades, the Friends have continued that spirit of practical support and quiet generosity. Through fundraising, events, exhibition openings, newsletters, and advocacy, we have helped purchase, conserve and care for works of art for present and future generations.

One of the Friends’ earliest gifts was a bronze sculpture by Francis Shurrock. Since then, many more artworks have been added to the collection through the generosity and commitment of our members. These gifts reflect not only a love of art, but also a belief that a public gallery belongs to its community.

Conservation has also been an important part of our work. Caring for artworks requires specialist knowledge, patience and skill, with different materials needing different forms of treatment. By helping fund conservation, the Friends support the long-term preservation of the gallery’s collection so that these works can continue to be enjoyed, studied and shared.

Fifty years on, we remain proud to stand beside the Aigantighe Art Gallery. We are volunteers, supporters, fundraisers and friends, united by a shared belief in the value of art, heritage and community.

Our story is one of friendship and generosity. And after 50 years, we are still here, helping where we can.

Keely Kroening and Roselyn Fauth deep in the archives at the Aigantighe 2025

Supporting community art initiatives, the Friends of Aigantighe sponsored the sign that features artworks by local families at the Caroline Bay Playground.

Annabelle Fauth (5) searches for her artwork inside the lighthouse slide tower at Caroline Bay. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

The Aigantighe Art Gallery team helped us create a community mural. They handed out over 700 wooden tiles with brushes and paint to inspire people to create art to remember the old playground and celebrate the new. Their art was photographed and printed onto a sign inside the Lighthouse. Here is a photo of Staff Member, Cat at the Aigantighe, and Medinella Fauth handing in her creation for the mural. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Art history sign at caroline bay playground sponsored by friends of aigantighe

Aigantighe Art Gallery March 2026 - Photography By Roselyn Fauth

https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-timaru-herald/20200625/281479278677887

Friends helped turn uncertainty into action for Aigantighe Heritage House

When the Aigantighe Heritage House Gallery closed in 2017, many in Timaru felt the loss immediately.

The much-loved former Grant family home, gifted to the people of South Canterbury as an art gallery, had been found to meet only 10% of New Building Standard. For safety reasons, the doors to the historic house had to close. For the Friends of Aigantighe, it was a worrying moment, but also a call to action.

As a voluntary organisation founded to support the Aigantighe Art Gallery, the Friends knew the building was more than bricks, timber and plaster. It was part of Timaru’s cultural memory. It held the story of Alexander and Helen Grant, the generosity that gave the house to the town, the opening of the public gallery in 1956, and decades of exhibitions, school visits, openings, conversations and community connection.

The Friends’ role was not to manage the restoration project or carry out the strengthening work. That responsibility sat with Timaru District Council, the gallery team, heritage specialists, consultants and contractors. But the Friends played another vital role. They helped keep the future of the Heritage House visible, valued, and publicly supported.

Over several years, the group advocated through council processes, encouraged public discussion, supported fundraising, rallied members, and reminded decision-makers that the Aigantighe was not just a council asset. It was a community treasure.

One of the most visible moments came during the Timaru District Council Annual Plan hearings in June 2020. Art supporters filled the public gallery. Speaking on behalf of the Friends, Roselyn Fauth asked those present who supported the Aigantighe to stand. Almost everyone in the room rose to their feet.

It was a simple gesture, but a powerful one. It showed councillors that the gallery had a living community behind it.

The Friends also made formal submissions through council planning processes. In the 2018 to 2028 Long Term Plan, the Friends strongly supported keeping art collection storage onsite and urged council to investigate practical solutions at the Aigantighe rather than simply moving the collection elsewhere.

By the 2021 to 2031 Long Term Plan, the Friends had taken a broader view of the gallery’s future. The committee unanimously supported a purpose-built facility on the existing Wai-iti Road site, arguing that it would protect the connection between the Heritage House, the sculpture garden, and the collection, while also improving storage, education spaces, climate control, and exhibition opportunities.

That advocacy sat alongside practical support.

In 2021, the Friends pledged $25,000 towards the seismic strengthening and restoration of the Heritage House Gallery. The pledge matched a $25,000 contribution from the Timaru Civic Trust and added momentum to the wider fundraising effort. Geoff Cloake announced the Friends’ pledge on behalf of the committee, noting that it built on decades of support for the gallery.

The money came from funds donated to the Friends over previous years. As a registered charity, the organisation had long provided a pathway for members and supporters to contribute directly to the care of the gallery and its collection.

That history mattered. The Friends had already built credibility through years of hands-on support for art conservation, exhibition openings, fundraising, and public engagement. The group had helped pay for the restoration of important artworks, supported better storage, provided equipment, sponsored events, and kept members informed through newsletters and invitations.

During the years the Heritage House was closed, that community connection became even more important. The Friends continued to support openings, artist talks, events, and fundraising. They kept the story of the gallery in front of members and the wider public. They helped make sure the closure did not become silent.

Many people contributed over those years. Roselyn Fauth was a strong public advocate during the council hearings. Geoff Cloake, Nigel Gilkison, Jill Harland, Neil McKinnon, Keely Kroening, Sue Connolly, Lesley Brown, Cate Laurenson, and others all appear in the story of the Friends’ support, whether through committee work, public speaking, fundraising, administration, events or wider community advocacy.

Gallery manager Cara Fitzgerald, project manager Hamish Pettengell, Timaru District Council staff and elected members, heritage specialists, funders, Farrell Construction, and local trades also played key parts in turning the project into reality.

The restored Heritage House Gallery reopened in December 2024. For the Friends, it marked the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter.

The restoration was not achieved by one person, one meeting or one donation. It was the result of persistence. It took formal submissions, public support, fundraising, professional expertise, council decisions, heritage care, and a community willing to keep saying that the Aigantighe mattered.

The Friends of Aigantighe are proud to have been part of that story.

For us, the Heritage House has always been more than a building. It is a gift, a gathering place, an artwork in its own right, and a symbol of Timaru’s belief that art and heritage belong at the heart of community life. Its restoration reminds us what can happen when people stand up, speak up and work together for something they love.

Aigantighe staff cut the ribbon for the house re-opening - Photography By Geoff Cloake, Friends of Aigantighe volunteer

Friends of Aigantighe sponsored the cost of the blue plaque for the Aigantighe Art Gallery. It was presented by Friends of the aigantighe volunteer and Timaru Civic Trust board member Roselyn Fauth to Mayor Nigel Bowan.

The Friends of Aigantighe Committee for 1979/80 included G. J. Instone as President, R. F. Waddell as Treasurer, Mrs E. E. Waddell as Secretary, and committee members A. G. Panson, E. R. McKenzie, Mrs S. McKenzie, Mrs H. Hill, Mrs J. C. Gresson, Mrs J. Lewis, Mrs M. E. Rennie, W. D. May, D. D. McBride, D. J. Wilson and Mrs M. Heads. The Friends of Aigantighe has a long history of supporting the art gallery and the arts in South Canterbury. 

Published in The Timaru Herald on 10 August 1976, this article records the formation of the Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery Committee in Timaru, with E. R. McKenzie as first chairman and G. J. Instone as secretary. Created to support the gallery through fundraising, acquisitions, cultural activities and amenities, the group had already attracted more than 200 members.

Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery newsletter, May to August 1983, published in Timaru by the Friends of the Aigantighe. This issue shows the Friends actively growing gallery support through membership recruitment, fundraising, newsletters, exhibition promotion and community arts events. President Geoff Instone reported positive feedback on the redesigned newsletter and an increase in new members, noting that every enrolment helped bring more people into the gallery and build funds for gallery purposes. The programme promoted a busy season of exhibitions and events, including Gallery Acquisitions, Simon Ogden’s drawings, a children’s drama concert, the Annual Plunket Exhibition, Needle and Thread by the Aorangi Guild of Embroiderers, Hansell’s Sculpture Exhibition, Outdoor Pots, Artarama, the South Canterbury Arts Society exhibition, the Friends of Aigantighe Exhibition, and the New Zealand Drawing Exhibition. The newsletter also recorded recent acquisitions for the gallery, including works by Denise Copland, Elisabeth Buchanan, Rudi Gopas and William Sutton, purchased with assistance from the QEII Arts Council; Neil Darish’s photograph Toronto, presented by the artist; Keith Blight’s Impressions of Nature, presented by the Friends of Aigantighe; and George Chance’s photograph Stately Gums Near Wellington, given as an anonymous presentation.

FRIENDS OF AIGANTIGHE

The Early Days

An extract from the Timaru Herald on 20 May 1975 reads… “Should a ‘Friends of the Art Gallery’ Committee be formed in Timaru to foster interest in the Aigantighe Art Gallery?”

At a meeting of the Timaru City Council’s art Gallery committee held on 19 May 1975, the Gallery director, Mr A G Manson, and a member of the committee, said the idea should be discussed. He also said he would not like to see it in competition with the South Canterbury Arts Society, but a group to foster interest in the Gallery. Mr G R Milward, president of the Arts Society said he saw the two organisations as having different purposes with members belonging to both groups.

Was this the first little seed that was nourished and eventually grew into the Friends of Aigantighe – still going strong and very active forty years later? Thanks to the Gallery staff and volunteers, scrapbooks of newspaper articles were kept from 1975 and give good accounts of the many activities of the Gallery and Friends. As well as reports of Aigantighe openings, Friends’ meetings were also reported. Openings and activities at the Gallery were advertised in the Timaru Herald so the general public were aware of what was happening and the eventual involvement of Friends.

A steering committee was set up chaired by Mr E R McKenzie and a special function was held at the Gallery on Friday, 7 May 1976 with an exhibition of African Arts and original brass rubbings – and sherry would be served! A letter from the Mayor, Mr C R Hervey accompanied the notice of meeting in which he acknowledged the benefactors of the late Mr and Mrs James Grant of Grey’s Hills Station who presented their historic family home, Aigantighe, to the community. He stated “… a steering committee has been appointed to form The Friends of Aigantighe Art Gallery as an organisation to assist in promoting the interests of the Gallery and to provide general support with exhibitions, lectures and other cultural activities.” Membership subscriptions were set at $2/ordinary, $3/husband/wife, $4/family and $8/institutional. Inflation has impacted considerably since then!

On 7 August 1976, a permanent committee of Friends of the Aigantighe Gallery was formed with over 300 members. The purpose of Friends would be to arrange social functions, actively support the Gallery by stimulating interest in exhibitions and the Gallery, and assist with the purchase art works.

The officers elected to the first committee were:

Chairman – Dr E R McKenzie

Secretary – Mr G J Instone

Committee – Mesdames L M Heads, H Hill, M J Parker and Messrs P D Lowe, A C Marshall, A G Manson, J C Oddie, J B Wilson

At the AGM held on 30 June 1977, it was decided to commission a bronze sculpture called ‘Study from Life’. Some months previously Friends were offered on loan a plaster figure study, the work of Francis A Shurrock one of New Zealand’s leading sculptors, and owned by Mr F C W Staub. It was decided to accept Mr Staub’s offer as a first project by Friends to add important works of art to the Gallery’s collection. A quote of $1,000 was accepted for the casting to be carried out by the Melbourne firm of Vittoria and Fernando Art Foundry, and a public fundraising drive quickly got under way to meet the costs of freight and insurance. At this time there were now over 400 members.

It was interesting to note that the model who posed for the sculpture came from a family of models, and her young brother was the model for the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens in London. Francis Shurrock’s health was affected from the effects of chlorine gas attacks during WWI and advised to move from London to a healthier climate overseas, hence him settling down-under in Christchurch.

At the 1978 AGM, Mr E R McKenzie, the retiring president commented on the gifts and donations received by Friends to purchase works of art including the commission of the bronze sculpture, to present to the Aigantighe collection. The sculpture was completed and presented at the Opening of the Aigantighe Art Gallery extension and the NZ Premier of the Kelliher Retrospective Art Exhibition on 9 September 1978 by Sir Henry R Wigley KBE.

Friends quickly became involved in social events at the Gallery providing hospitality at selected Gallery openings, and had been looking forward to the new extension allowing more space for socialising. It hasn’t been easy to differentiate between Gallery openings or Friends’ openings, but like the present day, everyone was involved. Membership kept increasing year by year and had reached over 500 in 1978 and 594 in 1979, when subscriptions were increased by $1 each membership. Those early members were also required to pay 50c to attend openings and defray expenses – but sherry was out and wine was in!

Strong support for the Gallery by Friends continued with numerous works of art being presented to the Gallery, including a new woven wall hanging in red, white and black, by Ian Spalding of Auckland which was able to be purchased for $975 thanks to a 50% subsidy from QEII Arts Council.

Critics beware! The newspaper heading read “Craft Exhibition Disappoints”. A number of Friends, in support of a pottery and weaving exhibition in 1980, didn’t hesitate to put pen to paper following ‘negative and inconsistent’ comments and questioning the qualifications and knowledge of the critic, and between them were able to provide a more balanced report on the exhibition. Friends also decided this year to launch a campaign to solicit support from major companies in the form of donations to the group’s funds, purchases of works of art, or financial assistance in bringing exhibitions to Timaru. A report was presented to the cultural committee of the Timaru City Council by Mr D McBride. He told the committee Friends would allocate $150 year towards restoration and preservation of works owned by the Gallery.

At the 1981 AGM it was reported that Friends had been able to purchase with the help of the Timaru City Council, a stereo system and chairs for the Gallery. Friends also expressed concern at the lack of any permanent trained assistant or exhibitions officer. Music was introduced to the Gallery in September with a Music at Five recital by Hans and Margaret Van Swaay, and Lynn McFarlane, respectively on the violin, clarinet and piano.

But optimism and fundraising didn’t always go hand-in-hand, and unfortunately, in 1982 the Friends were forced to return a water colour by NZ painter Alfred Sharpe because they could not raise enough funds to pay for it. The painting had been offered to the Friends for $7,000. A public appeal had raised $4,500 but a request for $2,500 to the Timaru District Council was turned down. Friends were determined that eventually they would have sufficient funds to have one of Alfred Sharpe’s watercolours in the Gallery.

Friends continued to receive bequests, gifts and donations and supported a number of exhibitions opening each year. Membership remain steady and the committees were kept active.