I
t is well documented that the economic boom of the 1980s led to a
coming-of-age for New Zealand art. Few examples illustrate this clearer
than the BNZ Art Collection. How this came about is a little known story
that captures how subtle actions of support and good timing can cumulate
in something truly impressive.
From 1973 to its eventual completion in 1984, the building of BNZ’s
new Head Office in Wellington faced ongoing delays for which it would
become well known. During this time BNZ’s General Manager, Mr W. J.
Shaw held a personal interest in an emerging New Zealand art scene. His
support of the arts became a subject of discussion at BNZ and his ambition
to establish a collection that would ‘clothe the walls’ of the new Head
Office soon gained momentum.
The idea of establishing a corporate art collection is not uncommon.
Other house name corporations who have collected art include Fletchers,
NZ Post and Telecom, now rebranded as Spark.
Despite their enthusiasm, BNZ staff soon acknowledged their skills were
best suited to banking. Enter Peter McLeavey, the art dealer whose own
gallery operated a short distance from where the new Head Office would
stand. His unique ability to identify talented, often undervalued, artists has
been well recognised.
McLeavey was commissioned with bringing together artworks
reflecting both a sense of national identity and the banks own rich history.
Importantly, the collection was not to be viewed as a financial investment.
Instead, the role of the collection was to illustrate the banks’ commitment
to ‘a fuller quality of life’ and aligned with other efforts at the time to the
arts.
McLeavey did not shy away from controversial pieces and following the
opening of the BNZ Centre in 1985 was called in on occasion to discuss
pieces attracting mixed reactions. He hoped staff would feel pride in the
collection and find pieces they related to. There was also the hope staff
would find the artwork challenging and thought-provoking. After 5 years of
building a significant range of artworks, including work by Colin McCahon,
Gordon Walters, Toss Woollaston and Rita Angus, BNZ purchased its final
pieces in 1987. Since then, efforts to provide public access to the collection
include the loaning of selected pieces for exhibitions and informative
tour events when possible. The bank recognises the collections place in
documenting a significant chapter in the story of New Zealand art.
Today over 350 artworks are hung in BNZ offices throughout the country.
Access to the collection is managed by BNZ’s Heritage Team, based in
Wellington. This management has included moving the collection into the
digital era. Earlier this year the team launched the website, bnzheritage.
co.nz which along with stories from the banks archives, provides online
access to the entire Art Collection.
Heritage manager, Barbara Allen noted, ‘What has been interesting since
the website launched is that we have seen notable hits on lesser known
artists- it is not just the McCahons and Walters attracting interest. We put
this down to there being a gap in what other resources are available on
these figures. It is with huge pride we are able to help fill this.”During the 1980s a number of factors were at play creating the
perfect environment in which BNZ could establish an art collection. The economicboom, a golden period of New Zealand art, BNZ’s art-minded General Manager,
Mr W.J. Shaw and a newly built Head Office all supported this bold initiative.
Sharing the collection highlights
BNZ’s role in New Zealand history,
beyond the country’s financial
and social development which is
well documented in our archives.
The collection demonstrates a
commitment to nationhood and a
valuing of New Zealand culture.BNZ Art Collection
The Pink Terraces - Charles Blomfield - 1888.
The White Terraces - Charles Blomfield - 1888.
”
”
A few pieces from the Collection in the BNZ
HQ Atrium.