What to see
Ravenscar House Museum is home to artworks by some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beloved artists. Here are a few highlights from the collection
Self Portrait Still Life, c1935
Frances Hodgkins (1869–1947)
Oil on canvas
Frances Hodgkins was one of Susan’s favourite artists – she even named her daughter after her. There are 10 Hodgkins works in the Ravenscar Trust Collection, more than any other artist.
Susan and Jim purchased this painting because it is very typical of Hodgkins' work. Hodgkins never painted a traditional self-portrait, instead choosing to represent herself through still life works.
No Known Copyright
Untitled (Blue ovoid vase), 2004
Garry Nash (1955–)
Glass
Susan's interest in glass was first sparked when her daughter Frances gave her a piece by Auckland artist Garry Nash. Nash was a pioneer of New Zealand studio glass, beginning his explorations in the medium in 1978 and taking over Sunbeam Glass in Auckland 10 years later. His works can be found in many public and private collections.
All Rights Reserved
Taylor’s Mistake, 1948
Colin McCahon (1919–1987)
Oil on canvas
This work by one of New Zealand's most famous artists was one of Jim's favourites. Jim and Susan designed their bedroom at Scarborough so they would have this exact view from their window. The painting hung on Jim's side of the bed so he could see the view and McCahon's impression of it.
Courtesy of the Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust. All Rights Reserved
Ina Te Papatahi, 1902
Charles Goldie (1870–1947)
Oil on Canvas
Ina Te Papatahi (Te Ngahengahe, Ngāpuhi) was a niece of the prominent Ngāpuhi chiefs Eruera Maihi Patuone and Tāmati Waka Nene, both early signatories of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) in 1840.
Ina lived near artist Charles Goldie’s studio and was one of his favourite subjects. He painted at least seven portraits of her, with this being one of the earliest. It hung by the fireplace in the library of the original Ravenscar House.
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Wine strainer, 1st century AD
Roman, Italy
Bronze
Antiquities were one of Susan’s passions. Her interest in Classics stemmed from a childhood fascination with Homer, the Ancient Greek poet. Susan later pursued this interest by studying Latin at the University of Auckland. In amassing her own collection, Susan focused on Roman artefacts, especially everyday household items like this bronze wine strainer.
No Known Copyright
The Long Horizon, 1999
Paul Dibble (1943–)
Cast Bronze
The Ravenscar Trust Collection includes several works by acclaimed New Zealand sculptor Paul Dibble. The Long Horizon, an early but typical example of Dibble's geometric figure sculptures, sits at the front of Ravenscar House. The sculpture occupied a similar position outside the entrance to the original Ravenscar House at Scarborough. It was, and is again, a statement piece that gives visitors an enticing glimpse of the treasures inside.
Courtesy of Paul Dibble, All Rights Reserved