The Fletcher Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Francis McWhannell as its new Art Curator following Peter Shaw’s retirement after 27 years in the position.
Peter commenced with Fletcher Challenge Limited at a time when the art collection was spread over two locations, Auckland and Wellington. He was directly involved in the consolidation of the collection at Penrose, Auckland and since 2001 as art curator for the Fletcher Trust, as the owner of the collection, in its continuing growth and development.
The Fletcher Trust Collection of paintings covers the whole sweep of New Zealand’s art history with the first paintings being acquired in 1962. The quality and scale of the collection as it now stands is very much due to Peter’s curatorial efforts and capabilities. Additionally, over recent years in line with the Trust’s objectives, Peter has very successfully, through exhibitions and loans, promoted the collection and provided much greater and wider viewing of the paintings and artists.
The Trust is extremely appreciative of Peter’s contribution in maintaining, enhancing and promoting what is a unique record of the history of New Zealand art.
Francis McWhannell is a freelance writer and curator based in Auckland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Museums and Culture Heritage form the University of Auckland, where he is currently completing a Master of Arts in Art History. He writes for arts and culture publications and websites and has curated exhibitions and contributed essays for exhibitions in public and commercial galleries and co-authored two books.
Francis will bring a new and different perspective to the collection, building on Peter’s contribution and legacy. It is intended that over coming weeks Peter will accompany Francis in his introduction to the connections of the Trust.