Katherine Mansfield to be celebrated with sculpture
New Zealand ’s greatest writer, Katherine Mansfield, is to have her position in world literature further recognised with
a sculpture in her home city of Wellington .
The Mayor of Wellington, Kerry Prendergast, says the sculpture will both recognise one of the city’s most celebrated
citizens and reinforce the cultural depth and history of the Capital.
She says, “Wellingtonians are proud of Katherine Mansfield and what she achieved in her short life.
“She influenced a fundamental shift in the way stories are told and is recognised as one of the world’s leading
modernist writers. This tribute from the City will ensure that her recognition not only continues, but grows.”
The sculpture, in a yet-to-be-announced location, will be a significant addition to the treasury of Mansfield sites in
Wellington , which include the Birthplace on Tinakori Road and the Turnbull Library. Together these present the
potential for a Mansfield trail for literary tourists.
Katherine Mansfield Society President, Emeritus Professor Vincent O’Sullivan, says “ Mansfield ’s influence is still
being felt by writers and readers today. We want the sculpture both to celebrate the influence of Wellington on her
writing, as well as to recognise Wellington as her birthplace and home.”
The project is a three-way venture between Wellington City Council, the Katherine Mansfield Society and Wellington
Sculpture Trust. Neil Plimmer, Chair of the Sculpture Trust, says the Board immediately and enthusiastically embraced
the idea and has taken on the role of managing the project.
“We intend this to be a stunning addition to the City, one that reflects Mansfield ’s unique style and lingers in the
memory as much as her fiction.”
To that end, he says, the next steps are to confirm a site location, then to put a brief out to artists. At the same
time, fundraising will start. “We hope that Wellington businesses and citizens will embrace our vision, and add their
support to the venture.”
The project group comprises City Council delegates, Wellington Sculpture Trust representatives and Mansfield scholars:
Jon Craig, Chair (Wellington Sculpture Trust), Neil Plimmer (Wellington Sculpture Trust), Martin Rogers (Wellington City
Council), Emeritus Professor Vincent O’Sullivan (Katherine Mansfield Society), Dr Sarah Sandley (Katherine Mansfield
Society), Dr Joanna Woods.
ENDS