Leading Christchurch dealer gallery celebrates 36 years in the Zone
BGG post quake_the writing's on the wall
After 36 years, the Brooke Gifford Gallery will hold its first exhibition away from its iconic premises in
Christchurch’s inner city Red Zone.
The gallery’s celebratory group show exhibition – 36 Years in the Zone – features leading and emerging artists Laurence
Aberhart, Roger Boyce, Joanna Braithwaite, Shane Cotton, Maryrose Crook, Tony de Lautour, Darryn George, Jason Greig,
Bill Hammond, Richard Killeen, Marie Le Lievre, Kim Lowe, Quentin MacFarlane, Euan MacLeod, Andrew McLeod, Seraphine
Pick, Terry Stringer, Zina Swanson, Steve Walsh and Shannon Williamson.
Although still standing, the Brooke Gifford building in 112 Manchester Street is in the restricted Red Zone and the
gallery has been operating out of temporary premises since the February earthquake. The group show will be held at
Chambers@241, a new art space in Moorhouse Avenue, opening 31 August 2011. The Brooke Gifford is still looking for
permanent premises in Christchurch.
“As the city and community of Christchurch continue to regenerate and evolve, we stress our commitment to support and
encourage its art and artists,” says Director Judith Gifford.
Established in 1975, the Brooke Gifford Gallery is one of the longest continually operating dealer galleries in New
Zealand, representing New Zealand’s premier artists and fostering the careers of emerging talent in the areas of
painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
John Coley, art commentator and former director of Christchurch’s Robert McDougall Gallery, says Brooke Gifford is an
important part of the art world and has “consistently retained a stable of leading, critically-recognised artists”.
In a curious twist, the original occupant of 112 Manchester Street was revealed after the February 2011 earthquake as
Polsens, an early 19th century sign-writing and paint merchant. After the demolition of the neighbouring corner massage
parlour building, a perfectly preserved sign painted on the wall revealed the company slogan: ‘Preserve your investment,
PAINT your property regularly’. [IMAGE ATTACHED]
About the Brooke Gifford Gallery
Established in 1975 by Barbara Brooke and Judith Gifford, the Brooke Gifford Gallery is one of the longest continually
operating dealer galleries in New Zealand, representing premier artists and fostering the careers of emerging talent in
the areas of painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Brooke Gifford represents such critically-acclaimed
artists as Bill Hammond, Tony de Lautour, Séraphine Pick, Euan MacLeod, Richard Killeen and Andrew McLeod. The majority
of its artists are well represented in public and private collections here and internationally. The Brooke Gifford
Gallery is committed to the promotion of contemporary art that is honest, meaningful and sincere in concept and
execution, and where traditional artistic values can be at home with contemporary cutting-edge ideas. As the city and
community of Christchurch continue to regenerate and evolve, Brooke Gifford will support and encourage its art and
artists.
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