Preserving a Cultural Icon
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, one of New Zealand's most cherished cultural institutions, is undergoing a significant heritage restoration to preserve its 137-year-old building. The project, named 'Kia whakahou, kia whakaora' (meaning 'to restore' or ‘heal' in te reo Māori) is vital for protecting the gallery’s architectural legacy and ensuring its future as a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Originally designed by Melbourne architects John H. Grainger and Charles A. D’Ebro, the Auckland Art Gallery officially opened in 1888 and is a stunning example of 19th-Century French château-style architecture. However, years of wear and tear to the heritage façade necessitated a comprehensive restoration, led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited with support from Precon Project Management, Ignite Architecture and heritage specialists David Pearson Architects, and funded by Auckland Council and the Lottery Grants Board, Te Puna Tahua.
Behind the scaffolding which is adorned with an artwork by tā moko artist Graham Tipene, titled Te Toi o Mangahekea on Kitchener Street, lots has been happening.
The restoration began in January 2023 and reached its halfway point in August this year with the unveiling of the restored roof on the Wellesley Street East side of building. This first phase involved replacing the ageing slate roof, flashings, gutters and downpipes. To maintain authenticity, the project team sourced slate from the Penrhyn Slate Quarry in Wales, where the original slate from the 1800s came from. Each tile is hand-pierced and meticulously installed by a small team of skilled workers. I climbed up the ladders and visited the site before the scaffolding came down and saw close up the attention to detail required to replicate the original roof. Some of the removed slate has been repurposed – for example, it has been used in drainage and road fill as well as being transformed into jewellery sold in the gallery shop.
An exciting aspect of the project is the reinstatement of heritage features from 1887 that had been removed, such as the roof cowls (the copper turret-looking structures on the roof on Wellesley Street), which will now serve the building's modern HVAC system.
The second phase focuses on restoring the building’s exterior, including replacing the worn render and refurbishing original windows. The final phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, involves upgrading the external lighting to highlight the building’s architectural features and enhance its visual appeal.
The restoration of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a testament to the importance of preserving heritage while embracing the future. This investment ensures that the gallery will continue to inspire and engage future generations, securing its place in Auckland’s cultural landscape for years to come.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
Photography: Daniel Zheng
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