Dominion Museum Education School Cases: Bay Whaling No. 2, taken 18 August 1960. Photographer: F. O’Leary. Black and white file print from negative MA_B.009881. Te Papa

A museum exhibition? In our school? Not quite! But what about a museum case? For around 50 years in the 20th century, Te Papa’s predecessors delivered important, informational, and sometimes downright kooky exhibition suitcases to schools around the country. How do I know? My research project has had me rummagingRead more

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One of the stolen artworks. The Concert, Johannes Vermeer, c1664. Oil on canvas. Image source from Wikimedia Commons.

Theft is an oft-romanticised crime in folklore and popular culture – think Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, Maui stealing fiery fingernails from Mahuika, or Bonnie and Clyde. We have a fascination with stories about people who beat the system, ‘democratise’ income gaps, or simply break the rules. Favoured tales generally justifyRead more

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In: Art