Dr John Mayo is a life benefactor of the Gallery who, together with his late wife Marylyn, has enjoyed a close relationship with the Gallery for over 20 years.
Marylyn was a champion of education, law and the arts: she was an early collector of Colin McCahon, Richard Killeen and other formative New Zealand artists. She enjoyed visiting Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and seeing young creatives develop. Her mother Mavis – an artist in her own right – was mentored by McCahon. Both women felt an affinity with the Gallery.
In 2002, following Marylyn’s death, John Mayo was eager to honour her ‘great interest in the Gallery’. He engaged the then Gallery Director, Chris Saines, asking what was most needed. The Gallery was about to embark on a significant redevelopment programme, and Chris suggested John assist with the creation of the Members Lounge.
‘I was particularly delighted to support the Members Lounge … I’m so pleased to see the way it has developed and the fact that when people in Auckland and elsewhere join the Members association, they have this facility,’ says John.