Te Papa is home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s national art collection, which includes work by pioneering artists such as William Hodgkins, John Gully, and Grace Joel. As only a small portion of the collection can ever be on display at one time, a new project from Te Papa Store can help New Zealanders experience the national collection at home.
A new perspective on ‘mastery’
The term Old Master often calls to mind European giants like Rembrandt or Vermeer – figures whose works have defined the artistic canon for centuries. In Aotearoa New Zealand, our art history tells a different story, one shaped by cultural intersections, unique landscapes, and the perspectives of settler artists who pictured Aotearoa in its early years.
Eleven historic artworks from nine artists have been selected for Te Papa Store’s Old Masters Collection, featuring works by William Hodgkins, John Gully, Grace Joel, Charles Decimus Barraud, William Baker, Charles Blomfield, John Hoyte, James Nairn, and the Messenger Sisters.
The artworks range from sweeping landscapes to intimate still lifes, showcasing the artists’ ability to immortalise moments of awe, resilience, and beauty in their work, including the following three paintings.
Charles Blomfield’s Among the kauris, Waitakeres (1884) capturing the towering strength and quiet dignity of the kauri forest, a scene both enduring and under threat.
James Nairn’s Wellington Harbour (1894) embracing the changing light and bustling life of the capital city, painted with a fresh, impressionistic touch.
The Messenger Sisters Landscape with Settlers (about 1857) offering a poignant glimpse into a pivotal era of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. The painting reflects both the promise of new beginnings and the transformation of the natural landscape. It invites us to consider the stories of those who shaped and were shaped by this evolving environment.
These works and others in the collection reveal the artists’ mastery goes beyond technical skills, demonstrating their intimate understanding of place and people.
History in the present
This new collection bridges past and present, honouring the artists’ legacies while integrating their work into our everyday lives. Each artwork has been reimagined into high-quality prints, textiles, and homeware, bringing Te Papa’s historical treasures into contemporary spaces.
The Old Masters Collection is something a little different for Te Papa Store. It is the first time we’ve created a range of merchandise of this scale, and it is also the first time that our own home décor creations will be sold by gift stores around Aotearoa.
Why it matters
The Old Masters Collection doesn’t seek to imitate the European tradition of Old Masters but to highlight the distinctive artistic legacy of Aotearoa New Zealand.
As Dr Rebecca Rice, Acting Head of Art says, “These paintings reflect a world in flux – landscapes being transformed, relationships with the land evolving, and artistic voices striving to express a sense of place. In revisiting these works, we’re exploring the stories we tell about ourselves and welcoming reflection on what ‘mastery’ means in our unique cultural context.”
Through this thoughtfully curated home décor collection, the Old Masters Collection is an opportunity to take home a piece of Aotearoa New Zealand’s artistic heritage.
Every purchase helps to support the mahi of Te Papa. Explore the Old Masters Collection at Te Papa Store.
