Listings for: Waitaki District > Oamaru > Activities and Attractions

The Forrester Gallery

The gallery has an active exhibitions programme as well as an extensive permanent collection of works relevant to the region.

The art bank - A unique interplay of art and architecture within this stunning 1884 Whitestone building.

HISTORY
The Forrester Gallery is housed in a spectacular neoclassical building originally constructed in 1884 for the Bank of New South Wales. The building was designed by R A Lawson to complement, even rival, the adjacent National Bank building. The site was acquired by the former Oamaru Borough Council and opened as a gallery in 1983 with the help of a substantial legacy from John M Forrester (1865-1965). 

The gallery’s exterior and interior both provide lavish neoclassical detailing from towering Whitestone columns to a spiralling staircase. Our staff are happy to show and interpret the history of the building, including the original vault and bank chamber ceiling. 

COLLECTIONS
The Forrester houses a growing collection of art works significant to the region and stands as an icon of Oamaru''s unique whitestone historic precinct.  Included are works by Colin McCahon, Colin Wheeler, Grahame Sydney, Ralph Hotere, Peter Cleverley, Bing Dawe, Edward Gifford, Evelyn Page, George O’Brien, Marilynn Webb and Margaret Stoddart. View these works on display, in our visible storage display or online at www.forrestergallery.com. Exhibitions are rotated to ensure there will always be works from our permanent collection to see. 

Not to be missed: On the 21st of September 2005 The Forrester Gallery was gifted by The Parsloe Family Trust a selection of Colin McCahon works ranging from the 1930s to the 1960s. The works were gifted to the Parsloe Family by the artist himself. Beatrice Parsloe, nee McCahon, was Colin McCahon''s sister. These works form the larger part of a long-term exhibition.

Open 7 days 10:30am - 4:30pm - FREE ADMISSION