Editorial: Philanthropic shot in arm for art lovers

Opinion

Last weekend, people from around the country queued at Te Papa for as long as two hours to see an exhibition featuring the work of Claude Monet. Such is the desire to see high-quality works of art from overseas when they are shown here. New Zealanders, accustomed to having to travel long distances to view works prized by the world's great art galleries, relish any opportunity to see them close to their own doorstep.

An American billionaire couple noted the same appetite when the Auckland Art Gallery hosted an exhibition of 14 paintings from their New York collection three years ago. Julian and Josie Robertson were overwhelmed by the messages of thanks, including inspired paintings of the paintings by schoolchildren. The upshot is a philanthropic gesture that provides the Auckland gallery with a fabulous shot in the arm.

The Robertsons will provide 15 works to the gallery as a promised gift. This means Aucklanders will see some of the works on a rotating basis until the gallery takes permanent possession after the Robertsons die. And what works they are. The names include Cezanne, Gaugin, Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, Dali and Braque.

Not surprisingly, the work of such major artists is barely represented in this country. This collection, valued at $115 million, will make the Auckland Art Gallery a serious destination for art-lovers. It also offers a valuable magnet for arranging loans of art from leading world galleries. There can be more exhibitions like that featuring Monet, most of which was sourced from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts.

New Zealand has gained much from philanthropy. The Robertsons' gesture is a magnificent example, for which New Zealanders should be deeply thankful. The couple want their paintings to "be left with somebody who loves them". They will not be disappointed.