Arts & Culture
Parnell Auckland is known as the most established art gallery precinct in Auckland with arguably the largest number of some of the best galleries in Auckland on a single street. The galleries regularly change their exhibitions and auction offerings plus there are some significant landmark sculpture pieces and public art to enjoy. Alongside the galleries, Parnell offers many historic and dynamic sculptures, each with a story to tell and known Auckland-wide.
Terry Stringer’s Mountain Fountain
One of Auckland’s best-known art works, Terry Stringer’s Mountain Fountain is situated in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Mountain Fountain is given prominence at its new location at the busy intersection of Parnell Road and St Stephens Avenue. At night, lighting dramatically showcases the sculpture against the Cathedral’s complementary roofline, giving Mountain Fountain a greater presence than it previously enjoyed at Aotea Square.
Mountain Fountain was removed from Aotea Square in October 2008, due to the square’s redevelopment. A decision was made to relocate the sculpture and after exploring a number of sites, the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell was supported by public feedback, the artist Terry Stringer, the Advisory Panel for Public Art and the Cathedral Council.
Address: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Cnr Parnell Rd & St Stephen’s Ave, Parnell
Domain Sculpture Walk
The eight sculptures you can view in the Domain were installed between 2004 and 2005, although the conversation around ‘raising awareness for Public Art’ occurred long before that,
Back in 1998 the New Zealand Lottery Grant Board called for projects to mark the new millennium. The Outdoor Sculpture 2001 Incorporated Society, which included Chiara Corbelletto, John Edgar, Charlotte Fisher, Fred Graham, Christine Hellyar, Neil Miller, Louise Purvis, and Greer Twiss, began to develop the idea of a sculpture walk in the Auckland Domain.
Each of the artists carefully considered their chosen site, and through their sculptures they referenced aspects of the history of the Domain. What we see now as we wander the beautiful expanse of Auckland Domain, are the finished works of the visionary sculptors who have gifted the public with their talent, to be enjoyed for decades to come.
Stained glass windows - Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral has stained glass windows deserving of attention no matter what your denominational faith. They are stunning and when viewed in person, will take your breath away.
The window designers were required to meet a brief that set out to tell the story of God’s redeeming actions with his people through history to salvation and new life.
This was to be portrayed in a New Zealand context and symbolism of New Zealand’s cultures was required – quite a task in 18 panels. The brief was therefore incredibly selective and specific about the subject of each panel.
The windows are read in a semi-circular movement from the west (street) side of the nave. The journey begins at the Millennial window (Window 1) and culminates in the Baptistry window (Window 18) on the east side.
West windows 1 to 9 designed by Shane Cotton.
East windows 10 to 18 designed by Robert Ellis.
Les Harvey
Millionaire Les Harvey didn’t look like a wealthy property developer and wasn’t one for pretence or flashy clothes. But his legacy – the preservation of historic buildings in Parnell – is recognised with the placement of a statue in his honour in the middle of Parnell Village.
Les Harvey bought and restored a large area of dilapidated old houses and shops in Parnell which were converted into restaurants, cafes, craft shops and boutiques during the 1970s.
But he did more than just return buildings to their former glory, his son Kevin Harvey says.
“He added bits of magic to them. He used to love making things on a human scale. The garden and the steps he created, nothing was designed to denigrate people or make them feel small.”
Enjoy Parnell and take a moment to stop in Parnell Village and say ‘hi’ to Les.
Revolving Plinth, Jonathan Grant Galleries
Situated outside ARTIS Gallery & Jonathan Grant Gallery, at 280 Parnell Rd, is a dedicated sculpture plinth. The plinth was installed by Gallery owner, Jonathan Gooderham in 2013 to enable the Gallery to exhibit large scale sculptures in an outdoor setting. The plinth was specially designed to allow for the secure interchange of large-scale works. The plinth is illuminated at night and has become a key attraction in the Parnell area.
The Gallery has exhibited works by Terry Stringer, Llew Summers, Fatu Feu’u, Margaret Lovell, Anah Dunsheath, Josh Olley and Michael Smither. For more information about the sculpture plinth or to request information about the works exhibited please contact ARTIS Gallery.
