Illuminati - Sir George Grey Special Collections Re-opens

The collections area is open again after 6 weeks closure to move the collections back into our newly protected storage area. There is now a sophisticated gas-flood fire suppression system, so there is no chance of water damage if we were to have a fire. The walls of the storage area were completely rebuilt to provide a 2 hour fire rating.

Their first exhibition, “A token of our regard and esteem”, features illuminated addresses which were used in the 19th Century to mark special occasions or to celebrate achievements. The exhibited addresses are beautifully written and decorated by hand, including miniature pictures relating to the life and work of the person who is being honoured. The illumination refers to the use of gold, silver and bright colours to light up the pages, in the tradition of medieval illuminated manuscripts.

The borders of this address are profusely decorated with New Zealand motifs in the “Maoriland” style popular at the beginning of the twentieth century – tree ferns, flax, Maori carvings, and stylized Maori patterns.

It was presented by the managers and staff of the Brett Printing and Publishing Works to Henry and Mrs Brett on their departure to represent Auckland at the Imperial Press Conference in England in 1909.

The miniatures show Auckland scenes and the offices of the magazines and newspapers which Henry Brett owned. The lyre refers to Brett’s interests in music. He sang in choirs around Auckland for more than fifty years, and in 1911 presented a superb organ to Auckland Town Hall. After a major fund-raising campaign, this organ has recently been restored to return it to its original style and power.
The address is unsigned, but may be the work of Trevor Lloyd.

Illuminated address presented to Henry and Mrs Brett by the Brett Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. NZMS 1333.

Event listed by aucklandlibraries

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