‘Mirrors and Torrents’ was an apt name for Steven Desmond’s one hour tour of water features in historic gardens. Through a beautifully photographed presentation ebbing and flowing over 2000 years we glimpsed the incredible travails designers and ornamental garden enthusiasts endured to harness the mercurial nature of water’s energy, strength and beauty.
Read more |March 5, 2019
It was a night full of fun, intense concentration, and ending with the delight of being able to take their artistic work home for others to admire.
Read more |March 4, 2019
Last week, at a fully-booked event, Friends were privileged to be given insight to the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. It was impossible not to get caught up in the warmth and enthusiasm of the 9 presenters (who were both locally based and from Xi’an), as they explained various aspects of the Chinese New Year.
Read more |February 15, 2019
Last Saturday afternoon the Icon venue was packed with people like me intrigued by the title of Lucinda Hawksley’s talk on the prevalence and effects of arsenic in Victorian times. The words are part of a quote from the renowned textile designer and social activist William Morris, who initially used the vibrant colours from arsenic pigment in his iconic wallpapers.
Read more |January 29, 2019
I was entranced from the moment I entered the first shadowy room. A huge pair of Chinese metal doors with geometrical grating guarded the entrance behind me. Ghostly heads with topknots were projected onto the side walls, almost filling the space.
Read more |January 8, 2019
A warm balmy evening enabled Friends to gather in the courtyard of College House to admire this striking example of modernist architecture. Opened in 1966 College House, a residence for University of Canterbury students, is one of Sir Miles Warren’s most important contributions to his long list of Christchurch buildings.
Read more |December 20, 2018
Which plants help relieve medical conditions? What compounds from natural sources make effective medicines? A gathering of Friends of Te Papa found out about the processes of medical conditions from Botanical Commentator Reg Harris and how plant-based drugs treat conditions ranging from high cholesterol to cancer.
Read more |December 19, 2018
Terrace Station was the home of Sir John and Rose, Lady Hall, and has remained with his descendants through to the present day. The current owners, Kate and Richard Foster, hosted our visit, together with Kate’s other three sisters, all of whom are directly descended from Sir John.
Read more |December 17, 2018
Talk for Friends of Te Papa by Dr Peter McNeil on Magic Fashion. 9 December. While I was getting my glass of wine before going in, I heard someone saying behind me, “These talks have been good. Really well planned.”
Read more |December 13, 2018
Following our visit to the Steventon Homestead we stopped at the small Glentunnel Museum. The surprisingly extensive rooms of this museum tell of the early settlers and the industrial history of the area.
Read more |December 4, 2018
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