This archive was chosen by Shane Jackson, an Archivist in the Disposal and Acquisition team here at Archives NZ. Before moving to this team, Shane worked in Collection Care and provided assistance with preservation and conservation work for our archives.

The painting depicts the HMS “New Zealand” in Portsmouth Harbour and was commissioned by the New Zealand Government as a gift to the British Empire. It is a part of the National War Art Collection, which dates from World War One when Official War Artists were appointed to provide a record of New Zealand’s involvement in the war. The collection can be viewed online at warart.archives.govt.nz/

Shane gives this description of the conservation work that was carried out on this artwork:

“This painting is massive. I can attest to the size, because when a wooden packaging crate was specially made by a local picture framer, they could not fit it through the largest doors in the building. The wheels had to be removed from the crate and then put back on.

The crate was a pretty good idea though and I'm sure all were keen on having some solid and waterproof design. Waterproofing was one of the uppermost considerations when constructing this housing.

Well over a decade before, the work had been loaned out. It was a rough day when the freight company delivered it. No one was there to meet the painting. So it was left outside overnight.

And yes, it was a very wet day.

The cardboard packaging provided some covering, but was not ideal as the work sat outside the doors overnight. When the cardboard was removed over a third of the painting was sitting at the bottom of the packaging. In a messy, large pile of tiny paint flakes. Blank canvas stared back.

I think an additional 10 years later - and a fine conservation job sticking every little bit back together - the work was returned to its former glory. You'd not know the difference now, unless you know the story.

To paraphrase the cheesy Donna Summer "McArthur Park" song from the 70s: "Don't leave your crate out in the rain. Especially if it's made of cardboard”

TITLE: 'Tower House', Portsmouth [HMS "New Zealand" fitting out] ARTIST: William Lionel Wyllie MEDIUM/SUPPORT: Oils DIMENSIONS: 1525 x 2740mm 1911

Archives reference: AAAC 898/637 (NCWA Q202)