Sir John Ilott Memorial Exhibition: 100 Master Prints

Although John Ilott was born in Te Aroha, it was in Wellington that he was educated and spent most of his working life.

Always most active in business administration, especially that of the firm established by his father, Sir John, nevertheless, found much time to devote to charitable and cultural activities which culminated in his being appointed a Trustee of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum where he was a most active member from 1961 to 1970.

Sir John's interest in the arts went back many years and early in his life he began collecting prints. It is this collection, presented to the national Art Gallery of New Zealand, which forms the basis of the Ilott Collection. There is no doubt that it is of the greatest importance for the National Art Gallery and many of our finest graphics are in it.

It is hoped that this exhibition will show, in a small way, Sir John's own interest and perceptive eye.

Sir John Ilott began collecting prints in the 1920s. In 1952 he presented the collection to the National Art Gallery of New Zealand and thereafter made annual additions until his death.

The Ilott Collection contains 713 works drawn from masters in Europe, America and Australia. In range they cover a period of time from the 14th century to the present day. Included in the collection are works by such artists as Durer, Goya, Rembrandt and Whistler; examples of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists and a fairly comprehensive range of English prints from those of Hogarth to the present day works.

The selection of one work each from one hundred master artists is made to present to the viewer the range and scope of the collection.

This exhibition will be one of the three contributions by the Robert McDougall Art Gallery to the Christchurch Arts Festival Programme for 1976.