![\"Painting](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781494046979.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVisit ‘Evergreen’, the new exhibition by He M\u0101ra Mahara | Cultural Collections, showing in Te Herenga M\u0101tauranga Wh\u0101nui | General Library from 29 June-16 September 2026. <\/p>\n
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Olive May Tonkin. Kohekohe (c.1940). Watercolour on paper. University of Auckland Art Collection. <\/p>\n
Connecting the realms of science and art,\u00a0Evergreen:\u00a0the art and science of plants\u00a0considers\u00a0the local history of botanical study at\u00a0Waipapa\u00a0Taumata\u00a0Rau\u00a0|\u00a0University of Auckland\u00a0and in the wider community\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0twentieth century.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
In\u00a0a unique\u00a0collaboration between He M\u0101ra Mahara | Cultural Collections and the School of Biological Sciences,\u00a0the exhibition explores the ways that scientists and artists have\u00a0sought\u00a0to depict, examine and understand the natural world\u00a0around us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evergreen will feature curator tours highlighting the exhibition\u2019s botanical drawings, archival treasures and scientific models.<\/p>\n
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Individuals and groups around the world have\u00a0long\u00a0fostered the close study of flora and fauna for academic, aesthetic, economic\u00a0and recreational purposes, leaning on the everchanging technology at hand.\u00a0Evergreen\u00a0taps into some of these methodologies, bringing together a range of published\u00a0and archival\u00a0material, botanical\u00a0drawings\u00a0and tools of\u00a0analysis\u00a0from the University\u2019s diverse collections.<\/p>\n
Included are an alluring suite of Brendel Models, that were acquired in 1900 by Professor Sir Algernon Thomas, the University\u2019s first professor of natural science. Created for teaching and display purposes by R. Brendel & Co in Germany around the turn of the twentieth century, the unique anatomical plant models were hand-painted and are constructed from a variety of materials, including wire, wood and glass.<\/p>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1781494179210.jpg\")
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Brendel Models no.130 Drosera and no.118 Anthemis, University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences collections.<\/p>\n
The technical tools are juxtaposed alongside a series of enchanting botanica ldrawings by Olive May Tonkin (1880-1954) from the University Art Collection.<\/p>\n
Incorporating approaches spanning more than 100 years, Evergreen considers the unique bridge between art and science, exploring our evergreen fascination with plants.<\/p>\n
You are invited to explore the exhibition and join the adjacent programming, including opportunities to explore the nearby McGregor Museum and University Gardens.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Visit the exhibition<\/p>\n
Monday to Friday 11am-4pm, 29 June-15 September 2026
\nHe M\u0101ra Mahara Cultural Collections, Level M, Te Herenga M\u0101tauranga Wh\u0101nui General Library
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Curator talks<\/p>\n
Evergreen Curators’ Tour Join Evergreen curators Sarah Cox and Madeleine Harvey for an exhibition tour. The talk will be followed by a hands-on exploration of supplementary material from He M\u0101ra M\u0101hara | Cultural Collections, including rare books and archival material.<\/p>\n Evergreen\u202fExhibition and McGregor Museum Tour Join Evergreen curators Sarah Cox and Madeleine Harvey for an exhibition talk in He M\u0101ra Mahara, followed by a visit to the nearby McGregor Museum, hosted by Dr David Seldon, curator and senior lecturer of Botanical Sciences.<\/p>\n
\n10am-11am, Monday 29 June 2026 \u2013\u00a0Register now<\/a>
\nHe M\u0101ra Mahara Cultural Collections, Level M, Te Herenga M\u0101tauranga Wh\u0101nui General Library<\/p>\n
\n12pm-1pm, Friday 24 July 2026 \u2013 Register now<\/a>
\nHe M\u0101ra Mahara Cultural Collections, Level M, Te Herenga M\u0101tauranga Wh\u0101nui General Library<\/p>\n