Prophet without honour: Margaret Butler and the status of sculpture in New Zealand, 1937-40

Abstract

This article consists of two sections, an introduction to the career of sculptor Margaret Mary Butler (1883-1947), followed by transcribed articles and correspondence originally published from 1937 to 1940 in New Zealand newspapers. Profiles Butler's accomplishments as the first major sculptor born in New Zealand, including a solo exhibition in Paris. Laments Butler's lack of recognition during her lifetime and in art history. Discusses the establishment of the National Art Gallery by Act of Parliament in 1930, and failure of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts to acquire works by living New Zealand artists. Introduces a suite of letters to the editors of the Evening Post and Dominion, along with additional texts from Art in New Zealand which championed Butler's work.