Page 225 - Constructing Craft

position in New Zealand society. A commentator described it as ‘new money
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chasing respectability with an enthusiasm matched only by its ignorance.’

Commissions and Competitions

Prior to the 1980s the commissioning of craftwork, or indeed of artworks, by private
businesses was not common. Occasionally businesses like Crown Lynn would

sponsor competitions but prizes were not large and the works were not usually
purchased for collections. Artists were familiar with public works commissioned for

special occasions or locations, such as the statues produced for the New Zealand
Centennial Exhibition in 1940, but commissions by businesses were rare and

craftspeople were usually not involved in this field. The writer and historian, John

Cawte Beaglehole, noted in 1961 that ‘banks and big businessmen had not
entertained the idea that expenditure on the arts might be useful publicity, or might

have a legitimate community value even apart from its prestige value as
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advertising.’

Neriad (seawoman on a seahorse) in the fountain at the
New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. Photo:
Christchurch City Libraries.

Constructing Craft