Tribute: Portraits from the collection of Avenal McKinnon

Tribute is a rare opportunity for Christchurch audiences to see a special collection of portraits by leading New Zealand artists. The portraits are drawn from the collection of the late Avenal McKinnon (nee Gough), the long-time Director of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, art historian, writer, and curator.

The collection showcases a selection of 22 paintings from Avenal’s collection by a range of artists including Rudi Gopas, Rita Angus, Frances Hodgkins, Leo Bensemann, Wayne Youle and Séraphine Pick. More than half the works in the exhibition are by artists with Canterbury or South Island connections.

The exhibition is curated by Helen Kedgley, with special thanks to the McKinnon family.

Open 10am – 4pm Wed - Sun
27 April - 25 June 2023

FREE
We recommend booking online or calling ahead to ensure you don't arrive during a group visit or event.
Admission charges apply for the Kate Sheppard House visitor experience.

Programme of Events

Curator's talk by Helen Kedgley - 12pm, Thu 27 Apr 2023
Book tickets

Come Back to Mona Vale book talk by author, Alexander McKinnon - 6.30pm, Thu 27 Apr 2023
Book tickets

Celebrating Katherine Mansfield - Symposium - 1.30pm, Sat 20 May 2023
Book tickets 

Beginner's Portrait Drawing Workshop with Jon Jeet - 6.30pm, Thu 15 Jun 2023
Book tickets

Reflections and Farewell: exhibition floor talk - 2.30pm, Sat 24 Jun 2023
Book tickets

Beyond the Frame: The changing representation of women in portraiture - 2pm, Sun 25 Jun 2023
Book tickets 

Refreshments Available

Morning & Afternoon Tea $8.50 (group bookings essential)
High Tea 11am and 2pm $54.90 (book 48 hours prior)

Parking

On street or pay and display at Clyde Carpark, Arts Road, University of Canterbury. Please call ahead for mobility parking at the house.

Session times

We recommend booking your session in advance or calling ahead to check availability. 
Group bookings are essential. 

If you have any problems, ring the friendly hosts on 03 341 1360 or email katesheppardhouse@heritage.org.nz.

Covid information

There are currently no requirements to visit Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, however we do ask that you sanitise on arrival and stay home if you are feeling unwell. We recommend wearing a mask in large groups and/or confined spaces.

For further information on the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, visit www.nzportraitgallery.org.nz.