Fifty Years of Modern Masters in Auckland

With Degas to Dalí travelling here in March from the National Galleries of Scotland, we look back on over 50 years of exhibitions of modern masters in Auckland. These famous names of 19th- and 20th-century Western art remain some of today's best-loved and most influential artists.

The first real taste of the modern at the Auckland Art Gallery was something of a shock to visitors with the exhibition of British sculptor Henry Moore in 1956. But whether dazzled or puzzled, Aucklanders have always supported shows of modern masters, sometimes queuing for hours to gain entry.

The Library's archives paint a vivid picture of these 'blockbuster' shows. Documentation is kept on all of the Gallery's exhibitions, past and present, and includes catalogues, photographs, newspaper clippings, posters, flyers, invitations, sound and video.

Behind-the-scenes activities are also apparent in the archives with evidence of the logistics and effort involved in securing, packing, conserving, curating, installing, developing events and tours, and marketing some of the world's most famous works of art.