Katherine Mansfield House & Garden invites the Friends of Te Papa to an exclusive guided tour of the house and its latest exhibition, Meet the Making, guest curated by Leimomi Oakes (The Dreamstress). Leimomi has selected a range of garments (and undergarments!) from our textiles collection and highlights the techniques used to make them in order to offer a glimpse into the world of their makers and wearers.
‘Just as Katherine Mansfield used subtle observations and descriptive details to allow readers to step into the world of her characters, this exhibition will enable you to step back in time and ‘meet the making’ of these historical treasures. You’ll also be able to explore period craft and sewing manuals.’
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden is home to a rich collection of objects and furniture from the 19th century and in 2019 the house underwent a redevelopment guided by Dr William Cottrell, an expert in colonial furniture. So for Friends who have visited the house prior to 2019, it is well worth visiting again and experiencing the changes. We look forward to welcoming you.
For the opening of the exhibition, Leimomi gave a fascinating talk which was recorded and is now available to watch here. Please note that at the beginning of the recording while Leimomi is introduced, the visual quality is not amazing but we then begin sharing her presentation slides directly to Zoom, so you will see all the slides with their photographs of the garments (and undergarments!) very clearly.