Manapouri: Art, Power, Protest

Media Release For immediate release 22 January 2008

Manapouri: Art, Power, Protest - upcoming floor talks

The term 'conservation' takes on multiple meanings in the National Library Gallery exhibition Manapouri: Art, Power, Protest.

The exhibition explores the campaign to 'Save Manapouri', New Zealand's first nationally co-ordinated environmental movement. But a different kind of conservation work was required before Charles Decimus Barraud's 1886 oil painting of the lake could take its central place in the exhibition.

This painting arrived in the Alexander Turnbull Library with dents, stains, punctures, and tears. Extensive treatment was required to restore Barraud's majestic vision of Manapouri.

On Thursday January 24th the Alexander Turnbull Library's conservators will discuss the preparation work and treatment of items in this exhibition, including Barraud's painting. This talk offers an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that has gone into this exhibition.

On Thursday February 7th art historian Roger Blackley discusses Manapouri's magnetic attraction for artists like Barraud. Blackley's floor talk will address the important role played by artists in the development of tourism and landscape conservation.

Both events start at 12.10pm, and take place in the National Library Gallery in Molesworth Street.

An online version of Barraud's painting can be seen at http://www.natlib.govt.nz/collections/online-exhibitions/manapouri

For further information, please contact: Aaron Lister Exhibitions Curator National Library Gallery Phone: 0-4-474 3134, ext 8908 aaron.lister@natlib.govt.nz

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