New Zealand Gets Its Masters

Julian Robertson donates US$120-US$150 million worth of art to the Auckland Art Gallery:

The works include significant paintings by Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Piet Mondrian dating from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The total value of the works is between $200million and $250million and is the most significant collection gifted to any New Zealand public gallery

Several of the works have been previously seen in exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa. Six of those works are included in the gift. [ . . . ]

The Robertson’s said, “We have had a lifelong love affair with New Zealand. We love Auckland. And we love these pictures. That’s why we were so pleased when we brought these works to New Zealand that New Zealanders seemed to enjoy them as much as we do. Frankly, bringing the pictures was probably the most appreciated thing we have ever done. We are delighted to be able to make this gift.” [ . . . ]

Together with Josie Robertson and their family, Julian Robertson has in some ways pursued a ‘second career’ in New Zealand, developing two world-class golf resorts and lodges and pursuing a determination to increase the profile of New Zealand wine in the US market. They own the iconic Te Awa and Dry River wineries.

Their golf courses, Kauri Cliffs in Northland and Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke’s Bay, are ranked consistently among the best in the world. In 2008, both played host to the inaugural Kiwi Challenge, a match between four major golfers playing for a large purse, broadcast live to an international audience.

The Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers lodges feature modern and contemporary New Zealand paintings, while the resorts themselves reflect the Robertson’s interest in growing New Zealand’s tourism and sporting infrastructure and bringing its outstanding natural environment and wine industry to the world’s attention.