Art collectors Mary Barr and Jim Barr (right), of Wellington, have enjoyed a long relationship with the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSONA well-curated relationship between a gallery and two art collectors has resulted one of New Zealand’s most significant private collections of contemporary art being bestowed on Dunedin. Wellington collectors Jim Barr and Mary Barr have given their 435-item collection to the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, much to the delight of its director. The collection had been on long-term loan to the gallery since 1997 — a decision which proved to be a ‘‘total win-win’’, Mr Barr said. ‘‘The main reason to have it in a public art gallery was so people could see it,’’ Mr Barr said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2026 00:01 UTC