Open AccessPreserving a legacy: an analysis of the role and function of the Mackelvie Trust Board, 1885−2010
Author(s) -
Andy McKay
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
records of the auckland museum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2422-8567
pISSN - 1174-9202
DOI - 10.32912/ram.2018.53.2
Subject(s) - bequest , faith , painting , the arts , function (biology) , collection development , on board , visual arts , history , law , art history , political science , sociology , art , library science , archaeology , computer science , philosophy , theology , evolutionary biology , biology
"Established to manage the art collections of one of Auckland city’s former businessmen, the Mackelvie Trust Board has operated for over 125 years. The Trust was set up to administer James Tannock Mackelvie’s(1824−85) collection of European paintings, books, decorative arts and objets de vertu including bronzes, clocks, coins and natural treasures now held at the Auckland Art Gallery, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Public Library. This article will explain how part of the collection came to be at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, how the Trustees administered the will, and how the Trust Board itself evolved to include professional expertise. The impact of this evolution on Mackelvie’s gifts and bequest and the collection’s developmentis one of the most important findings. After an evaluation of the collection’s management over time, it is concluded that while the Mackelvie Trust Board has always endeavoured to implement Mackelvie’s wishes, financial and physical restrictions led to certain compromises regarding control and display of the collection. Nevertheless, the Trustees have always acted in good faith and protected Mackelvie’s legacy for the enjoyment of future generations of Aucklanders and visitors to the city."