Te Papa and the New Zealand National Maritime Museum said today that they will be talking to representatives of the Blake family shortly to work through the family’s concerns at the current design of a major museum exhibition and visitor attraction celebrating the life of Sir Peter Blake, proposed to be built adjacent to the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
'There has been much discussion around the appropriateness of this as a tribute to Sir Peter and it is clear that there are a number of possible ways to honour this great New Zealander. I can understand and sympathise with the Blake family’s concern that the current design has been labelled by some in the media as a "glass coffin". This crude characterisation of a complex exhibition concept must be extremely distressing for the family, and we want to talk through various options with them for the most fitting design. We are pleased that the family is still very supportive of an interactive exhibition and visitor attraction and to the display of NZL32,' said Te Papa Chief Executive Dr Seddon Bennington today.
'Te Papa and the Maritime Museum became involved in this particular concept because we believe it is an excellent opportunity to provide wide audiences, including school groups, with access to the fascinating stories, images, and objects that have become associated with Sir Peter including NZL 32: Black Magic.
'The exhibition will celebrate one of the twentieth century’s greatest sailors and show how his achievements are interwoven with New Zealand’s long, innovative, and illustrious yachting history. The exhibition will also showcase projects and activities related to Sir Peter’s work in promoting the environment in, on, and around the waters of the world.
'Much has been said about the display of NZL 32: Black Magic. Its inclusion in the tribute is regarded as appropriate and fitting given Sir Peter’s significant role in leading Team New Zealand to victory in 1995 in San Diego and again in Auckland in 2000. Sir Peter Blake wished that the yacht be presented to the national collections of Te Papa and be displayed so that all New Zealanders can see it up close.
'It would be wonderful to evoke that moment of triumph in 1995 when Sir Peter Blake felt they had every New Zealander riding with them on Black Magic as the race reached it’s climax,' Dr Bennington said.
The Chief Executive of the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Larry Robbins, said today that Black Magic is a major sporting icon of national and international significance, but that its display does however present special challenges.
'Any building that is constructed has to protect Black Magic from the elements but it should also make a statement about the yacht, its dynamic design, and its environment.
'This exhibition will also give us an opportunity to work together to provide a significant boost to the Maritime Museum and to enable Te Papa to bring to Auckland, on a permanent basis, a major item from the national museum’s collections. The Maritime Museum and Te Papa want to work with key constituents in the Auckland and sailing communities, along with the Blake family, to develop an exhibition that will attract enthusiastic support and be a tribute of which everyone is proud,' said Larry Robbins.
Contact:
Paul Brewer, Marketing and Communications Director, Te Papa, ph: 021 532 920.
Larry Robbins, CEO, New Zealand National Maritime Museum, ph: 09 373 0800.