Exhibit uncovers the contraceptive collection of Dame Margaret Sparrow

29 May 2015

Te Papa has opened a new exhibit to showcase the recently acquired collection of Dame Margaret Sparrow – one of New Zealand’s pioneering specialists and advocates on contraception and sexual health.

“This exhibit looks at Dame Margaret Sparrow’s life, career and her extensive collection of contraceptives,” Te Papa’s Curator for Contemporary Life and Culture Stephanie Gibson says.

“Dame Margaret’s collection helps to shed light on the hidden history of contraception in New Zealand from the 1930s to 2010s, including the invention of the pill and the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

“Te Papa is grateful to Dame Margaret for gifting her collection of more than 700 contraceptive devices to the national museum in 2011. Her collection tells the story of profound changes in society, including the evolution of contraceptives to control fertility and separate sex from reproduction.”

Contraception: Uncovering the collection of Dame Margaret Sparrow
Open until Jan 2016
Free entry
Level 4, Illott Room

Media contact

Kate Camp, Communications Manager
029 601 0180

Notes to editors

Dame Margaret Sparrow is available for interviews on the exhibit on request.