Sir Toss Woollaston Two White Chairs. Oil on board. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, donated from the Canterbury Public Library Collection, 2001
This exhibition is now closed
Nigerian sculptures meet paintings by 1950s and 1960s New Zealand modernists. Ron O'Reilly – Christchurch City Librarian from 1951 to 1968 – is recognised as a significant champion of the arts.
Painted Nigerian sculptures meet artworks by Colin McCahon and walls packed with paintings by 1950s and 1960s New Zealand modernists. Ron O'Reilly – Christchurch City Librarian from 1951 to 1968 – was a passionate believer in the importance of art and supporting progressive artists.
O'Reilly instigated the public library's art loan collection and, for a modest fee, library members could borrow original works of art by artists such as Lusk, McCahon, Woollaston or Fomison.
A natural collector with his own impressive art collection, he also collected traditional African art. This exhibition celebrates O'Reilly's significance as a collector and champion of the arts.
Proudly supported by Christchurch City Libraries as it celebrates 150 years.
-
Date:
6 June – 26 July 2009 -
Curator:
Ken Hall -
Exhibition number:
830A -
Exhibition Supporter
Collection works in this exhibition
Related
Exhibition
Brought to Light: A New View of the Collection
February 2010 – February 2011
Our upstairs collection galleries have undergone an exciting and dynamic redesign – the first full rehang of the collection since Christchurch Art Gallery opened in its new building in 2003.