This thorough and thought-provoking book will ignite interest in the life and works of New Zealand artist Edith Collier, who is now recognised as one of New Zealand’s early modernist painters. Most of Collier’s works are held by Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery (the Sarjeant) in Whanganui. An exhibition celebrating Collier’s works will be held to coincide with the opening of the restored Sarjeant in November 2024.
Over 450 of Collier’s works are in the care of the Sarjeant and many of these works feature in the book. Outside the Sarjeant, very few of Collier’s works are in public collections. Many still belong to members of her extended family. Collier’s family continue to be actively involved in maintaining her legacy through their ongoing partnership with the Sarjeant.
In one of the first sections of the book, writer and curator Jill Trevelyan introduces Collier the painter and Collier the person. The following five chapters focus on areas where Collier lived, studied, and worked: Whanganui, England and Ireland, London, St Ives, and Kāwhia. In each place, she learned how to capture the differing light, terrain, weather, and other characteristics unique to the region. She often developed strong relationships with locals, including those whose portraits she painted.
Read the full review at NZ Booklovers here.
