Friends of Te Papa are warmly invited to hear Ron Brownson’s presentation on the work of NZ sculptor Jim Allen. The talk will highlight Jim Allen’s work, especially his work produced and installed in Futuna Chapel in the early 1960’s.

Ron Brownson, Senior Curator – NZ and Pacific Art, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.

The most amazing discovery for me was the Futuna Chapel in Wellington, “one of the most spiritual interiors in all New Zealand”, as Ron describes it. It was designed by John Scott, with windows by Jim Allen that cast shimmering patterns of coloured light on the walls, which in the course of the day move across a large scale, magnificent mahogany Christ figure, also Allen’s work. This “very emotional, very passionate work”, to use Ron’s words, was missing for 12 years, stolen, but happily it was recovered and reinstated in the chapel.
(EXCERPT FROM AUCKLAND LIBRARY BLOG KAREN CRAIG MAY 2015)

Ron Brownson is Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. He has worked long-term as a professional curator and is an expert on New Zealand and Pacific art with has a particular interest in photography.

This talk is a free public event and is part of the Futuna Annual Open Day celebrations. No registrations required – entry is by koha on the day.

Visit the Futuna Annual Open Day Celebrations 2020 for more details or click here to download the celebration programme.