The Rutherford Art Collection, a significant collection of modern New Zealand paintings currently housed and administered in Wellington by the Rutherford Trust is moving to a new home at Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

After a lengthy negotiation period the Rutherford Trust has entrusted the care, protection and administration of the collection to Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton.

After signing the new agreement, Victor Wu, Chairman of the Rutherford Trust said “The Trustees of the Rutherford Collection are delighted that Aratoi is joining with us in making the collection more available to the public through exhibitions at Aratoi and also through exhibitions toured to galleries throughout New Zealand. The principle sponsor of the collection, NZ Post, applauds this recent initiative and looks forward to the new period ahead.”

Director Marcus Boroughs said Aratoi was proud to take up responsibility for the collection. “The Rutherford Collection is one of the finest collections in New Zealand. It contains an excellent range of New Zealand paintings and Aratoi is in a strong position to make the collection available to a wide audience throughout New Zealand. Also Aratoi would like to acknowledge the efforts put into this project by Wairarapa Cultural Trust Chairman Gavin McLachlan and previous Aratoi Directors Richard Arlidge and Tracy Puklowski”

Initially the collection was developed and owned by ECNZ and the paintings were displayed in Rutherford House, Wellington. After the split up of ECNZ the collection was handed over to the Rutherford Trust.

The collection contains artwork from a number of well known New Zealand artists including Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, Rita Angus, Max Gimblett, John Weeks, Toss Woollaston and many others.

Aratoi has entered the retail market with a beautiful range of products for sale. The aim is to highlight local producers, as well as to provide top-of-the-range gift ideas for visitors.

Mohair products by Masterton’s Masterweave textiles have been a great hit.

Our range of books has expanded, with a good range of Huia publications available for sale.

Local ceramics are represented and don’t forget our great range of cards—all blank on the inside, so you can say what you want rather than those insufferably twee poems!

Friends of Aratoi take note—you are entitled to a 10% discount off all purchases!

We want to know what hidden treasures and treats are in our community! If you have a private collection that you’d like us to know about, Director Marcus Boroughs would like to hear from you. Marcus wants to develop a database of art collections in the community, and is also wanting to research private collections (anything from Clarice Cliff to Colin McCahon to Salt and Pepper shakers), with a view to a future exhibition.