After our often hair raising drive along the narrow winding Akatarawa Road, we all met up in the car park of Efil Doog, (Good Life). This “garden of art” is comprised of 11 areas of gardens, surrounded by bush clad hills. We were off to see the Art Gallery first, and then enjoy a walk around the gardens.
We had last visited this garden in October 1997. Which might account for the fact that we found the winding path and steps particularly steep and hard going - after all, we were so much younger and fitter back then. We walked over the little swing bridge which had a sign stating “only two at a time on the bridge, no jumping or swinging”. I don’t imagine that any of our group would feel like jumping up and down on the foot bridge, certainly not the two ladies with walking sticks.
Swing bridge over the river
It was a matter of “shoes off – slippers on” before we entered the gallery. Slippers of all sizes are provided, but I think Robin and I should have consulted each other when we chose our respective pairs. Mine were rather large and I noticed Robin paddling around with his heels hanging over the back of his pair. Just as well they were backless slip-ons. Only well behaved children are allowed, as this sign by the door attests.
The Art Gallery specialises in early New Zealand paintings, and has an impressive collection. Shirley and Ernest Cosgrove were happy to answer any of our questions as we took our time looking around. As well as paintings there were carvings and sculptures on display. I rather liked the wooden duck, and asked what type of wood it was carved from. Lychee, was the answer. This item is from China and has a lovely gloss and feel to it.
Overview of the gallery, and duck carving from Lychee timber
Art is very personal and we all had our favourites. Robin and I particularly liked the New Zealand landscapes on display, and this early painting by Thomas Attwood is called “The Gates of Paradise”. There is indeed a place called Paradise in New Zealand, and is situated at the head of Lake Glenorchy in the South Island. (And we can admit to both being in Paradise together).
“The Gates of Paradise”, by Thomas Attwood
Who hasn’t heard of C F Goldie? He was a very important artist and specialised in painting tattooed Maori people of considerable standing in their own society. The gallery boasts this crayon sketch he made of Harata Tarapata prior to commencing his oil painting.
A crayon sketch by C F Goldie
Other painters can work in the “Goldie style”. Such a painting hangs in the gallery and it looks very impressive to my untutored eye. This was painted by local artist Phillip Waddington and is of Rahapa Hinetapu. (Many years ago in a former life when I lived in Petone, the Waddington family lived close by, and Phillip was showing considerable artistic talent as a high school lad).
“Rahapa Hinetapu”, by Phillip Waddington
Time was moving on so the slippers came off, the shoes went back on, and it was time to stroll around the impressive gardens.
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