Tēnā koutou,

Ngā mihi

A sublime landscape theme seems to be running through Friends’ activities this month.

At the end of July, we launched the Friends fundraising project for the conservation of Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique, the beautiful eighteenth century French wall paper panels depicting the landscape and peoples of the South Pacific. Thank you to all who generously supported our successful gala evening at Scots College.

Your committee are now planning a full and varied programme for the rest of the year. One highlight will be the new spring season of Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa and the exhibition European Splendour 1500-1800. Come to the Friends’ opening viewing on 9 September and hear the special curator floor talks during the morning. You will be amazed at the gorgeously opulent treasures on view, most of which are from Te Papa’s collections.

Later in the year, author and collector John Gillow will be returning with more of his gorgeous vintage textiles acquired from all over Asia and Africa.

As you know, Te Papa’s own landscape will soon be changing. On 30 August Friends will have a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from Karen Mason Director Museum Renewal, Dean Peterson Head of Science and Leon Perrie Botany Curator, about the exciting new directions of the museum’s natural history exhibitions. I look forward to seeing you there.

Nāku noa, nā Elizabeth Kay