Restoring one of Nelson’s best loved artworks

Posted by Nelson City Council on 10 September 2009

Work will start soon on the restoration of the much admired Aotearoa mural on the Plant & Food Research building on Wakefield Quay.

It was originally painted by Christopher Finlayson in 1984, assisted by Jeff Lines. Ten years later it was repainted by a group of artists from the Nelson Unemployed Workers Association. The paint is now very fragile and thin and cleaning up the original will virtually remove it, so a dramatic renewal needs to take place. Chris Finlayson has again been engaged for the new restoration, and he is encouraging Nelsonians to come along and help him.

Chris says "A number of paint coats need to go on and this is where folks can help out. I like sharing this part of the art and its great to feel the collective energy of a group - it's like a working bee of paint by numbers for adults, but bigger".

Previous art experience is not required and as the project involved working on scaffold above the sea, only fit and able persons should apply. The restoration starts on 28 September and although it is expected to take six weeks (weather permitting), volunteers are only required for two weeks.

Nelson City Council, which owns the building, is doing some preparation work that will improve the surface behind the mural which will help its longevity.  Plant & Food Research is largely funding the art project.

TC Chadderton, Business Development Manager, says "Like science, art is a highly creative endeavour, so we are pleased to support the restoration of what has become such an important icon for Nelson and New Zealand".

The project will be managed by Nelson City Council and all site enquiries should be directed to Christopher John, ph 525 6032 or email chris@finlaysonart.co.nz