Paintings in Perpetuity

Some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic, historic paintings held in the Alexander Turnbull Library need remedial treatment. Can you help us make this happen?

You're needed!

Sometimes, framed historic oil paintings come into our collections in need of treatment. Their preservation is managed in specialist facilities that keep them stable, but there is no active programme to clean, repair or glaze. For these reasons, the works can be viewed for research purposes, but are seldom exhibited.

The Turnbull Endowment Trust would love to see these works available for public display. "Paintings in Perpetuity" is a Trust initiative that makes this possible and The Library has identified several historic oils in need of specialist attention. From cleaning to repair, glazing to framing, the needs of each painting vary... and so do the costs.

With your help, we're restoring 'Blomfield and the Terraces'

This painting by Charles Blomfield (ATL Ref G-675) depicts a view across the lake from below the iconic White Terraces, taking in their full extent. Although dated 1891, the scene is one of the artist's copies of his 1885 paintings of the Terraces, before they were destroyed by the Tarawera eruption in 1886.

What treatment is required?

To display this work for the public, extensive consolidation is needed - the cracks in the top right corner of the painting are quite severe. The surface needs cleaning, filling and retouching. We're asking for your support to raise $4862 to cover these restoration costs.

The frame is also in need of some repairs and cleaning, but that's a whole other campaign!

By contributing to this initiative, you are actively preserving Aotearoa New Zealand's heritage – thank you for your support.

Please follow us on social media to join our journey and if you can, share this campaign to your network.