James Mackelvie's Gift to Auckland

A canny investor and self-made man, James Mackelvie was an individual of refined sensibility. In the late 19th century, he determined to build a collection of fine and decorative arts for Auckland, the budding colony in which he had spent six successful years.

Today, see some of that collection - snapped up on buying trips to Europe - within the Gallery that Mackelvie helped found. Learn more about the man, his life as a connoisseur of art, fine wine and cigars, and his bequest to Auckland.

Discover how the Mackelvie Trust continues to add to its collection and view works that stretch from early European art to Victorian paintings, modernist works, fine bronzes and old master prints. Artists represented include Joshua Reynolds, George Stubbs, Thomas Gainsborough, Duncan Grant, L S Lowry and Elizabeth Frink.