Arterslie at One Tree Hill College
June 18, 2014
The One Tree Hill College private art collection featured at part of the annual Arterslie Ellerslie art festival. On Thursday 19 June, members of the Ellerslie community were invited to an evening of wine, cheese and guided tours of the college's extensive collection.
New Zealand artist John Reynolds is currently displaying his latest work in the college reception. Pictured below are Head Boy Tremayne Reid with John Reynolds.
The One Tree Hill College Art Collection was once described as an "experiment in art education". If it was an experiment, it was a sound one.
The collection was started in 1969 by the then principal, Murray Print, with the help of art teacher Wally Crossman. When Mr Crossman joined the staff in 1961, there were token pieces only of art hanging on walls. Most were faded reproductions of European masters. Mr Crossman was told there was no money to buy art — until Mr Print became principal in 1969.
The collection, funded by the proceeds of the tuckshop and specific gifts and donations, started with the purchase of a small oil by Robert Ellis – one of his "motorway" series. Over the years it expanded to a significant New Zealand collection, including works by Gretchen Albrecht, W.A. Sutton, Colin McCahon, Patrick Hanly, Robin White, Toss Woollaston, Allen Maddox, Don Peebles and Ralph Hotere
Mr Print's aim to use New Zealand art to humanise the college paid off. Many years later, the much-loved collection remains an important part of One Tree Hill College's culture.
It is today administered by an independent trust.
