Collections
Our collections are one of the most important parts of what we do. Over the last couple of years we have been working hard to improve our collection systems, knowledge about our collections and define our most important themes and stories. We have worked with an array of experts to review the quality, depth and singularity of our collections in a process to determine collection significance. This process is vital for supporting funding applications and ensuring our collections are relevant.
Our heritage buildings
Our collections include our heritage listed buildings and we work with Heritage NZ to ensure we retain their historic stories and heritage values.
Online Access
In late 2019, we will launch our Collections Online Project. This project will make information about our collections, together with images, available online through our website. It will be delivered in stages across 2019 and 2020.
A lot of the work for the cultural facility development project has occurred BEHIND THE SCENES. An indication of the breadth and complexity of this work can be gained from the long list of experts (academic and community) who have assisted us.
| Dr William Cottrell, Furniture Historian: Furniture collection |
| Dr Warren Feeney, Art History Consultant: Colin Wheeler Collection |
| Roger Fyfe, Senior Curator, Human History, Canterbury Museum (now retired): Maori Collections |
| Jonathon Howard, Area Manager, Otago/Southland, Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga: Heritage Buildings |
| Philip Howe, Director South Canterbury Museum: Collection Significance |
| Dr Jane Malthus, Dress Historian: Clothing and Textile Collection |
| Alan McNaught, saddler: Equine collection |
| Priscilla Pitts, Art History Consultant: Collection Significance, Collecting Plan |
| Burns Pollock, Farmer and social historian: Agricultural Collection |
| Dr Tony Reay, Geologist: Geology Collection and Acquisitions |
| Dr Paul Scofield, Senior Curator Vertebrates Canterbury Museum: Bird Bone Collection |
| Dr Peter Simpson, Art History Consultant: Colin McCahon Collection |
| Judith Taylor, Museum Development Advisor, Te Papa Tongarewa National Services Te Paerangi: Collection Significance |
| Professor Richard Walter, Anthropology and Archaeology Head of Department, Otago University: Ongoing research project related to the Willetts’ Collection of first settlement artefacts |
To find out more look at the special documents to the right.