End of an era for the Libraries art collection

Christchurch City Libraries’ historic lending Art Collection has come full circle, with pieces making one final move to the Art Gallery’s collection.

The lending service was established in 1953 by then City Librarian R.N. O’Reilly, with a series of reproductions and original New Zealand art works from the 1950s - 1990s.

In 1955 the Council approved an extension to include works by local artists. At this time there was 80 art prints in circulation with a maximum purchase price of 19 guineas.

“The collection grew over the years to 297 items and was a who’s who of New Zealand artists at the time,” says Head of Libraries and Information Erica Rankin.

“Some pieces went missing over time, and even though lists of missing works were sent to art dealers, none of the pieces have ever been returned.”

The paintings were on loan to library members for a month and could be renewed for up to a total of six months at a time.

The more valuable originals – Rita Angus, Colin McCahon, Bill Sutton and Toss Woollaston – were withdrawn from lending in the 1970s and 1980s.

“The library stopped purchasing in March 1981 when an inflationary art market made it impossible to fund, and storage space was required for Central Library renovations,” Ms Rankin says.

“Some pieces stayed on display at the Central Library, but many were housed at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery.”

The print collection was sold off in June 1995, and 115 paintings were formally gifted to the Art Gallery in 2001 – with an additional 45 works gifted since.

With the collection now formally decommissioned, around 60% of pieces have made their way to the Christchurch Art Gallery and the final pieces sold at auction.

Currently, the recently transferred Buck Nin painting ‘Green Valley’ is on display at the Gallery in the Living Archives exhibition. Next year, the Buster Black and Alfreda Simmonds paintings will be restored and included in a new collection exhibition, alongside Patrick Mulcahy’s ‘Fish’ mobile.

“While Christchurch City Libraries may no longer lend artworks, the celebration of art and culture, and its availability for public enjoyment continues in our libraries,” Ms Rankin says.

Find out more about the Libraries Art Collection.