Julian & Josie Robertson Collection
Thanksgiving Foundation
The Chartwell Trust
E. H. McCormick Bequest
Colin McCahon and Frances Hodgkins
The Ilene and Laurence Dakin Bequest
Dr Walter Auburn
Private Gifts
Patrons of the Gallery
Lucy Carrington Wertheim
The Edmiston Trust
Friends of the Gallery
The Partridge Collection
Mackelvie Trust
James Tannock Mackelvie
Sir George Grey
Julian and Josie Robertson Collection
This promised gift of 15 works of art to the gallery through its Foundation, from New York art collectors and philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson, represents some of the major European artists of the modern era, dating from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. Its art historical and cultural value places it among the most generous philanthropic acts in New Zealand history.
The gift is drawn from a private collection that largely focuses on modernist works. While frequently called on to lend to art museums, this is the first time the Robertsons have gifted work. Selected by the gallery's director the effect of the gift will be far-reaching, transforming Auckland's ability to tell the story of modern art.
In 2006, the Auckland Art Gallery organised an exhibition of 12 works from the Julian and Josie Robertson collection, also shown at Te Papa in Wellington. Six of those works are included in the gift. The overwhelmingly response to that exhibition, much of it from young visitors, had a profound and lasting affect on the Robertsons.
Julian and Josie Robertson have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with this country and want New Zealanders to enjoy works of art of a kind usually only experienced in this number through travelling to the major museums of Europe and the United States. This gift enables them to give something meaningful back to a country they love.
The Robertsons said, "We have had a lifelong love affair with New Zealand. We love Auckland. And we love these pictures. That’s why we were so pleased when we brought these works to New Zealand that New Zealanders seemed to enjoy them as much as we do. Frankly, bringing the pictures was probably the most appreciated thing we have ever done. We are delighted to be able to make this gift."
Click here to read the media release
Click on the thumbnails below to view the works in the Collection.
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