Save the McDougall as our Museum of Historical Art
Comments
#601
I want to see the amazing art that has been gifted to Chch over the decades n I also believe Robert McDougall wishes for the gallery to display Chch City’s Art collection should standElizabeth Duston (Christchurch, 2023-01-31)
#604
The McDougall Art Gallery was bequeathed the Citizens of Christchurch to be used as an Art Gallery. It does belong to the Museum. I have fond memories of visiting it many times during the years. It should be like the Huntingdon in California, where the Blue Boy painting is, and the building is in a garden setting.Judith Mackay (Christchurch, 2023-02-02)
#605
This is important precedent to carefully respect original intent for this collection.Elliott Duston (Christchurch, 2023-02-02)
#610
It is a beautiful heritage building with so much history. I have enjoyed in the past visiting there and seeing the art collections.Peri Harrison (Christchurch, 2023-02-05)
#614
It is so important to keep beautiful art work for all to enjoy, stimulating cultural awareness and interest in the art of our past and present. It's a valuable aspect of our history, and speaks so much beyond words...Bridget Maunsell (Takaka, 2023-02-07)
#616
It's a beautiful unique galleryThis needs to be saved, it's part of our heritage.
Wonderful memories visiting when I was younger.
Diane Parker (Christchurch, 2023-02-11)
#617
I believe in the causeMargreet Stronks (Christchurch, 2023-02-17)
#619
I’m signing as believe it is atrocious a historic building and art works are not being saved and looked after especially when the gallery was gifted to the city for the display of art. Large cities the world over have many galleries within a city to present collections.Dale Brown (Christchurch, 2023-02-18)
#620
Public artsDominic Hoffman Dervan (Auckland, 2023-02-20)
#621
It's part of our heritage of which so much has already been lost.tina day (Christchurch, 2023-02-26)
#623
Want proper history preservedLisa Veint (Ashburton, 2023-02-27)
#625
This is such a beautiful building in the heart of the Botanic Gardens. It needs to be reopened to the public for all to enjoy.Fi Watherston (Te Awanga, 2023-02-28)
#626
It was gifted to chch for use as an art gallery and we currently have permanent art collection pieces in storage. I used to love going there when I was young and would love our children to be able to enjoy it too.Rita Raine (Lyttelton, 2023-03-04)
#627
I agreeDelwynne Barker (Christchurch I, 2023-03-08)
#628
This is a beautiful historic gallery and I always visit when I’m down in Christchurch and it needs thisKim Salamonson (Hastingd, 2023-03-09)
#629
The McDougall bequest deserves to be honored, not hollowed out by a modern reinterpretation and change of use.Jeremy Westenra (Taupo, 2023-03-26)
#632
Art is a social history. It’s important to honour this. The Robert McDougall is an important part of Canterbury’s history both through its art collection and the building itself. In a city which has lost so many of its historic buildings it’s hard to fathom that this grand building would not be a central showcase for the city.Aimee Stewart (Havelock North, 2023-03-27)
#634
I love the gallery as a gallery. I have exhibited there, seen the best exhibitions there, and hope to see high quality work there again one day.sam Mahon (Waikari, 2023-03-27)
#635
I loved visiting the McDougall Gallery as a child and it is so sad that this beautiful building has been closed for such a long period and the important historical art has just been kept in storage. My children and their children have never had the opportunity to visit the Gallery or appreciate the beautiful art. It is time for the Gallery and artworks to be restored to the people of Christchurch as their benefactors intended.Jan Taylor (Christchurch, 2023-04-08)
#636
I enjoyed visiting this gallery as a child and both contemporary and classical art must be displayed in our city.Ingrid Kerr (Christchurch, 2023-04-12)
#640
It is important to retain this beautiful building and to makes its contents available to the publicPeter Croucher (Christchurch, 2023-05-03)
#641
Because the Muesum should honour the true meaning of the purpose set down in the original deed of gift to the people and this space should continue to display our historic art works.Jenny Hughey (Christchurch, 2023-05-03)
#642
We have lost too many "old dungers" thanks to a certain MP post-earthquake. This iconic building needs to be saved for posterity.Michael Gousmett (Rangiora, 2023-05-03)
#644
I'm signing as Chair of Christchurch Civic Trust (CCT) which supports Tim Seay’s longstanding quest to have the McDougall retained as part of the city's public art exhibition space(s).CCT has acknowledged the importance of Canterbury Museum's re-development, including the desperate need for more space and the enhancement of its vital heritage capital. But CCT cannot agree with the consented plan to incorporate the McDougall into the museum as an integral and essential component, without which this redevelopment would not be viable.
We argued at the resource consent application (and in letters to The Press) that the McDougall has its own long heritage as an important art institution which deserves to be respected. By retaining the gallery as essentially the home of the city’s historical collection that respect can be accorded, while allowing Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, which itself is desperately short of space, to display a greater number of contemporary exhibitions and works than is currently possible.
Ross Gray
Ross Gray (Christchurch, 2023-05-19)
#648
Like many before, I spent a lot of time in that gallery and I believe in the RMAG for its intended purpose as donated by Mr McDougall.Liam Barr (Wellington, 2023-07-17)
#649
I believe that Christchurch needs to retain and honour the Heritage listed McDougall Art Gallery with the intent that was originally in mind for it in the first place. A history very similar to the contemporary Ravenscar House which it too was built to house a specific collection.That it will be stand alone and become a place to honour the history of the arts in Christchurch and maybe even enabling other streams of art connected activities and conservation to be carried out.
Fitting perfectly in Ōtautahi Christchurch's cultural precinct it is perfectly placed.
Sarndra Lees (Auckland, 2023-07-23)
#651
I believe in honouring the original terms of Robert Ewing McDougall gift of the McDougall Art Gallery and the art that was gifted for public display to the Canterbury Society of Arts.These gifts were made in good faith for the citizens of Christchurch. Do the citizens of Christchurch not care anymore regarding the building, it's purpose and the gifted art that is not being displayed?. Or are they uninformed?
Katrina Jackson (Whangamata, 2023-07-30)
#652
We need to keep the gallery open so we can enjoy and appreciate the art and artists it exhibits for our next generations.Richard Cooper (Manukau, Auckland, 2023-08-01)
#654
Art is the canary in the coal mine - society's litmus test for ideas. We need more places to display art- not less!Bruce Mahalski (Dunedin Central, 2023-08-08)
#655
I support this causesimran saseve-dale (auckland, 2023-08-11)
#658
Robert E. McDougall's gift of a public art gallery for the people of Christchurch must be respected, honoured, and protected, in perpetuity, as he intended. As Christchurch's most generous patron of the arts, (his family home was also donated as a hospital), his benevolence and legacy must not be allowed to be forgotten or subsumed under other agendas.Where is his like today?
Nicola Bristed (INDOOROOPILLY, 2023-10-05)
#661
This valued gallery should not be used by Canterbury Museum. I have fond memories of my grandmother taking me to this gallery when I was young.Dianne Messenger (Christchurch, 2023-12-27)
#662
this beautiful building should be used for it's original purpose. The council has no right to change that. All our permanent collections should be on display, not storedTrish Turner (Christchurch, 2023-12-27)
#663
This is an exceptional and unique building and it should be open to the people of Christchurch for exhibitions and displays as soon as possible. The setting is beautiful and the display areas are intimate enough for several smaller exhibitions under one roof. Please restore and reopen this important Christchurch asset bequeathed to the citizens of Christchurch for their ongoing enjoyment.neil thornton (Aranui, 2023-12-27)
#665
I'm signing because this historic building has an original purpose and that is not being honoured by the museum extension. The new gallery does not adequately display its many works and this gallery presents that opportunity.Mike Jaspers (Wellington, 2023-12-29)
#675
I'm from Chch- Merivale and spent many hours there and Museum and hot house and gardens.Ian Creevey (Auckland, 2024-03-12)
#677
The McDougall Art Gallery is and always has been of prime importance to the Christchurch art scene. It is scandalous that it's position and continuing operation is now being stymied by City Government bureaucracy and bumbledom !The McDougall Art Gallery should be the prime repository for the very best paintings that Christchurch has to offer. The setting is peerless.
Michael S FThe Gorman (倉敷市, 2025-04-22)
#681
I'm signing this petition because I adore the Christchurch City Art collection and am very sad that we can no longer see the pieces. Having recently visited museums in Europe i can see that it is very important to have historical art availableto be viewed. Please put the collection back in the Robert McDougal Art Gallery where it belongs.Karyn Hitchman (Christchurch, 2026-01-08)
#684
I believe that the Robert McDougall art gallery should be used to display the historical art that is currently in storage and unseen, to honour the artists and donor’s original wishes, and to utilise this wonderful building as it deserves to be enjoyed by the people of Christchurch.Tania Way (Christchurch, 2026-01-08)
#685
It seems silly to have so many paintings in storage when there is a perfectly acceptable gallery that could show them to the public to be enjoyed and also a museum is not what the building was intended for.Catriona Morgan (Havelock North, 2026-01-08)
#686
I’m signing because the original intent of the building should be continued and Christchurch Council have made a mistake.Ruth Thompson (Auckland, 2026-01-08)
#687
I support the proposal to use the Robert MacDougall Gallery spaces to display works of art from earlier centuries which are held in the permanent collection but rarely on display at the Christchurch Art Gallery. London has Tate Britain for much loved paintings of Turner Constable Pre-Raphaelites etc and Tate Modern for contemporary works. Cultured Christchurch should do likewise.D Gill (Christchurch, 2026-01-08)
#688
I used to work in the gallery. It was an amazing space in an amazing setting with a great art collection and an excellent educational programme.Kristeen Lockett (Lower Hutt, 2026-01-08)
#691
The artworks in storage deserve a place to be displayed and seen by all those people who wish to do so. I spent many a time exploring the art gallery when younger and took my son there when he was younger also.Lynda Tafu (Christchurch, 2026-01-08)
#693
I value art because it chronicles civilisation, challenges perceptions, and fuels innovation by encouraging new ways of thinking and seeing the world, making it essential for personal development and societal progressLinda Goodwin (Christchurch, 2026-01-08)
#694
I think this is a marvellous idea !!!catrona scott (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#695
I'm signing because I believe that the "mothballing" of the facility over the past almost quarter century has been unacceptable, given that it was gifted to the city. Furthermore, I would like to see a permanent historic record of our city featured in this gallery through relevant and appropriate works of art.Sue Grace (Pegasus, 2026-01-09)
#696
I loved going there on our annual school trip many years ago. It’s a shame that we don’t get to see all the beautiful paintings that are just kept in storage.King King (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#697
The building is such a part of our art historyMelissa McCabe (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#700
As a lover of art, having grown up in CHCH, and being a scientist, I know how important it is to both have a space for museums but also historical art. Christchurch has had so much of its history stripped from it, bringing back something like this would a nod to once we came. We are a big enough city to have an art gallery of modern art (e.g. the current gallery) and one dedicated to historical art. I lived for a time in Dundee, UK. A tiny town of about ~100,000- but they had both galleries and it was a wonderful addition to see the area through the lense of modern and traditional art. Plus they had at least 5 other non-art museums. We are big enough and have enough to do this.Simona Seizova (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#701
THIS GALLERY AND COLLECTION ARE OF THE UPMOST IMPORTANCE..THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT COLLECTION AND BUILDING AND MUST BE PRESERVED IN THE PROPER AND APPROPRIATE CONTEXT.Colette O’Neill (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#702
I think it would be sad to loose more of our history. I have fond memories of wandering around the art gallery as a childLee-Anne Wallcroft (Kaiapoi, 2026-01-09)
#703
I love the McDougall Gallery as such a special place to display our art collection - it has an at atmosphere and graciousness that is unique and from a young age it made me appreciate art in such a beautiful setting.Jan Rutherford (Christchurch, 2026-01-09)
#707
I'm from Christchurch and loved visiting this building (at least monthly) to enjoy the wonderful art displayed... and for the fantastic accoustics for choral performances., as intended by Robert McDougal. He gave the city a wonderful gift. Respect his wishes!Susan Hempseed (Palmerston North, 2026-01-09)
#709
Because its a beautiful building that should be used for its intended purposeJoy Coughlan (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#710
It's unacceptable to dishonour the intent of the original gift.Mark Secker (Nelson, 2026-01-10)
#713
Art is not designed to be kept in storage! This is a valuable asset to Christchurch and it should be used for what it was gifted for...to display art!Kathy Ayrey (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#714
I stand firmly with the entire campaign. How dare the City Council dishonour the gift agreements and ignore the moral responsibility it has to share art to the people.Marie Roxburgh (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#715
These paintings need to be seen.Charlotte Syme (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#716
This is a wonderful idea and the perfect place for displaying the heritage collection.Kay Begg (Ashburton, 2026-01-10)
#717
The McDougall Art Gallery is a fantastic venue with treasured memories, bring it back with its intended purpose.Belinda Hopkins (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#722
I don't want to see thus building go. Having as much art and culture in a city is importantJacalin Sutherland (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#725
I spent many hours in the gallery as a young man and it has been an important heritage to countless art lovers.James Arthur Williamson (Vigo, 2026-01-10)
#728
This is a great idea and sits with the original gifting purposeDeirdre Deirdre Johns (Christchurch, 2026-01-10)
#734
I believe it’s a bequest that was made and accepted in good faith and it’s the perfect venue for the Classical Art that belongs to the citizens to enjoy. So much of the permanent Collection sits in storage sadly.Lal Mulligan (Ashburton, 2026-01-10)
#739
As an artist and at enthusiast I would live to see historical paintings displayed publicallyKatie Pritchard (Christchurch, 2026-01-11)
#745
The gallery is a beautiful piece of architecture and was the epitome of what a gallery should be - it had soul and was a work of art and architecture in its own rightRobyn Twemlow (Christchurch, 2026-01-11)
#748
I am signing this petition because increased support for the arts is essential. Creativity plays a vital role in enhancing our quality of life and overall wellbeing. With Art History in secondary schools currently being undervalued by the present government, there is a growing need for more public galleries, such as the McDougall Gallery, as originally intended.Prue MacDougall (Auckland, 2026-01-12)
#749
I want to see all our art again, and share it with the younger generations.Elisha Gilmore (Christchurch, 2026-01-12)
#750
The McDougall Art Gallery was gifted for a specific use. I would love to see the historical artwork back in this beautiful setting.Andrea Lawx (Christchurch, 2026-01-12)
#751
I am signing because I am 100% behind retaining the gallery for the display of older fine art paintings and sculptures - the gallery was designed for this purpose and obviously there is a need for it in the modern world. It would allow the gallery to reclaim its part in the history of Christchurch. Art and horticultural history pair beautifully.Having a modern gallery and the heritage gallery is a wonderful idea that is a perfect fit for Christchurch. Especially after the loss of so much of Christchurch’s heritage in the earthquakes.
I have many memories of the gallery growing up - being delighted to visit the space and I hated seeing it closed up whenever I return home.
Rachel Robertson (Melbourne, 2026-01-12)
#754
I'm an artist and want to see more art and respect art and art fightsFederica Benedet (Christchurch, 2026-01-12)
#755
Signing because as a college student it was my time out place filled with magnificent artwork.Ali'itasi Stewart (Christchurch, 2026-01-12)
#758
Because it should be used for what it was gifted for and designed for.Jason Hutt (CHRISTCHURCH, 2026-01-13)
#765
I remember visiting as a child. A beautiful historical building gifted to Christchurch is just laying in waste. If there are so many beautiful works of art just in storage why not utilise the space once more for its intended purpose and bring the artwork out where it should be.Allie Jordan (Kaiapoi, 2026-01-13)
#767
I totally support using the Robert McDougall for its original intentionJan Bone (Nelson, 2026-01-14)
#772
This building is beautiful and should be opened for display of historic artwork.Christchurch can easily accommodate 2 art galleries
Joanna Gillett (Christchurch, 2026-01-14)
#775
The Christchurch City Council are a group of moronic criminals who shouldn't be running a community funded City, making very important decisions for the people they have been elected to represent, exhibit huge over reach and are unfit for their jobs. The evidence is right here in front of us with this example of illegal actions on a bequeathed gift to the city of Christchurch for the people of Christchurch.Bridget Bucknell (Little River, 2026-01-14)
#776
I use to visit the Art Gallery and would like it to be opened again.Janine McIvor (Burwood, CHRISTCHURCH, 2026-01-14)
#778
The city deserves to be able to see the wonderful art that is now in storage, in the site gifted to the city years ago to show that art.Louette McInnes (Christchurch, 2026-01-14)
#780
I believe this building should be use for what it was gifted to Christchurch forNigel King (Christchurch, 2026-01-14)
#783
I would like to see this gallery restored and reopened to the public displaying the historic art that is presently in storage. When I returned to Christchurch 3 years ,ago,after 35 yrs away,it was one of the first places I headed. It was very disappointing to see the building closed and in a state of disrepair.Michelle Leishman (Christchurch, 2026-01-14)
#790
I enjoy REAL art not the art that is in the art gallery. The art in the Art Gallery is boring, uninspiring and if one has to have it explained then to be honest it's "art for arts's sake" which is rubbish.Jill Berry (Christchurch, 2026-01-15)
#791
I believe the art gallery should be reinstated and the historic art pieces put on display for all to see instead on being in a basement. I loved visiting the gallery as a child and adult.Sandra Baxter (Christchurch, 2026-01-15)
#792
I loved this building and art gallery. I grew up in Christchurch and would love to visit and see the collection again. Save it please!Fiona Thomas (Whanganui, 2026-01-15)
#793
I believe the Robert McDougall Art Gallery is an iconic building in Christchurch and should be protected as such. It seems criminal that $30m of art is sitting underground rather than being on display to the public.Vanessa Tansey (Hanmer Springs, 2026-01-15)
#794
It is an incredible building for the City of ChristchurchAnna Macauley (Christchurch, 2026-01-15)
#795
The McDougall gallery has an important place in the art history of Christchurch, that should be preserved for future generations, for the purpose for which it was gifted to the city of Christchurch. Returning it as a gallery presents a valuable opportunity to display much of the more historical art, rarely seen in the new art gallery space.Louisa INGHAM (Dunedin, 2026-01-15)
#796
Art enriches our lives , its also a link to history and heals the soulBarbara Broughton (Darfield, 2026-01-15)
#797
I visited the gallery so many times during my 3 years at art school in Christchurch, it holds many wonderful memoriesCaroline Lorbach (Sydney, 2026-01-15)
#798
I’m signing this petition because this is the most beautiful building in chch and was once very important to the art world. Please use it again for public use.Andrea Thelning (Christchurch, 2026-01-15)
#800
It seems a sad waste for this building to have been empty for so long. I was unaware of it's history until today, and feel it should be returned to its former stated purpose of displaying art for Christchurch residents to enjoy.Sophie Grosser (Christchurch, 2026-01-15)