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A Fresh Look For A Much-Loved Landmark: Whanganui Regional Museum's New Exterior Colour Scheme Unveiled
A Fresh Look For A Much-Loved Landmark: Whanganui Regional Museum's New Exterior Colour Scheme Unveiled

Scoop

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Scoop

A Fresh Look For A Much-Loved Landmark: Whanganui Regional Museum's New Exterior Colour Scheme Unveiled

Visitors to Pukenamu Queen's Park will see an exciting and fresh new look emerging for Whanganui Regional Museum. As scaffolding comes down on sections of the building, glimpses of its attractive new colour scheme are being revealed. The repaint is part of the Whanganui District Council's Long-Term Plan 2024–2034, which includes exterior refurbishment of both the Museum's original 1928 building and its 1968 extension, home also to the Davis Lecture Theatre. The project is currently in Stage One of completion, with work being carried out by Alan Tong Ltd. Craig Dalgleish, Director of Dalgleish Architects Ltd, and design technician Catherine Macdonald designed the new look - a thoughtful blend of local identity, culture, architecture, and natural elements. Their vision brings a new sense of life and warmth to this significant civic building. 'We wanted the Museum to sit confidently on its corner and announce itself,' says Craig. 'The colours reference Whanganui's natural environment, cultural past, and architectural heritage - but they also reflect optimism and inclusivity. We deliberately moved away from the safe neutrality of 'greige' to create a sense of welcome and vitality.' Craig worked with Resene Trade Sales Representative Nick Gibbons on the technical aspects of the colour choices, and with Rāwiri Tinirau, Pou Rauhī / Māori Advisor for Whanganui Regional Museum to ensure cultural resonance. 'We made sure we had cultural sign-off before we presented the scheme. The response was very encouraging, and very supportive.' The palette is anchored by tones of Resene Merino and Triple Merino, a nod to Whanganui's strong farming heritage and the city's early growth on the back of the wool trade. These soft neutrals are contrasted by earthy Resene Scoria, a volcanic red that acknowledges both the region's geology and the architecture of marae, and by Resene Bali Hai, a blue evoking the moana, the awa, and the distant mountains. A soft blush pink - carefully chosen from Resene's colour charts of the period - adds an unexpected yet authentic 1920s touch. 'The Soft Pink is probably the most unexpected colour, but it plays a key role in pulling the scheme together,' Craig explains. 'It breaks the building free from the beige tones and connects both to the 1920s design period and to the warmth of the whenua expressed in the Scoria.' Attention to architectural details was key. The classical 1928 building is designed in three parts - base, shaft, and capital - like a column. Craig and Catherine worked to accentuate the vertical elements that link the two distinct eras of architecture. 'That vertical language softens the transition between the 1920s and 1960s sections, making the whole building feel more cohesive,' he says. The vertical segments on the 1968 building will be painted Scoria red in reference to the pou of marae. An unexpected delight emerged during the project: the discovery of a hidden architectural detail beneath old bitumen waterproofing layers. 'It's a modern detail leaning to the modernist movement and where that was going - quite forward thinking and subtly done by the architect at the time. It is abstract, asymmetrical, and does not follow a classical order at all. It's out of step with the building and is a real clue to how architecture was evolving,' says Craig. 'I think the architect slipped in a reference to the modernity that was starting to happen.' The feature is purely decorative but is linked to the design of the Whanganui War Memorial Centre directly opposite the Museum, built in 1960. 'The fact that the detail is asymmetrical and abstract, is the clue that it illustrates the transition from the classicism of the Museum to the eventual abstraction of the War Memorial Hall.' 'That gave me a real kick – that we uncovered this transition detail that was not of the classicism of the 1920s, but on its way to the modern style. Finding that was a real thrill - it's a little piece of design history brought back to light.' The Museum's new look also reflects a wider shift in Whanganui's cultural precinct. With its neighbours - the Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui War Memorial Hall, and the Alexander Heritage and Research Library - the Museum helps define a civic destination that is forward-looking while firmly grounded in heritage. 'The new colour scheme has a degree of frivolity and 1920s optimism. It looks backwards, but it looks backwards to look forwards.' 'We wanted the building to express inclusivity,' says Craig. 'Historically, the Museum has felt quite patriarchal. It's important that it feels inclusive. This colour scheme is very deliberate – it's intended to say: You're all welcome here.' Whanganui Regional Museum Director Dr Bronwyn Labrum says, 'I could not be more delighted. We had very careful discussions throughout the development of the colour scheme and I always had great faith in Craig and Catherine with whom I have worked on our recent award-winning exhibitions. Their work is outstanding: thoughtful, appropriate, yet bold and contemporary. The meticulous work of Alan Tong Ltd was essential. We have had lots of positive visitor feedback already and the team love it.' Throughout the project, the Whanganui Regional Museum remains open as usual - continuing to welcome visitors into a space where the past, present, and future come together. Note: Founded in 1892, the Whanganui Regional Museum is internationally renowned for its Taonga Māori Collection. Located in Pukenamu Queen's Park, visitors can view the exceptional creations of tupuna (ancestors) of Whanganui tangata whenua (indigenous people) alongside a changing exhibition programme encompassing a world-class collection of natural and human history, with a regional emphasis. The ground level boutique museum store sells a range of local and Māori jewellery, books, cards, art, and other New Zealand-made gift items. The Whanganui Regional Museum Trust is an independent legal entity that owns the collection and governs the development of the Museum on behalf of the Whanganui community. Open to visitors daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), entry to Whanganui Regional Museum is free. Connect with Whanganui Regional Museum or on Facebook and Instagram.

Maria Sharapova joins CFI as global brand ambassador
Maria Sharapova joins CFI as global brand ambassador

Time Out Dubai

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Time Out Dubai

Maria Sharapova joins CFI as global brand ambassador

CFI announces five-time grand slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova as its latest global brand ambassador. She joins seven-time Formula 1™ world champion Lewis Hamilton, who's been fronting the brand since 2024. Last year, CFI brought Hamilton to the Museum of the Future to celebrate one of the brand's biggest milestones: achieving a trading volume of USD1.03 trillion in Q3 alone. With both of these sporting legends now on the CFI roster, there's a chance we may see Sharapova here in Dubai. Expect to see her fronting major campaigns and connecting with audiences across the globe. And yes, that might include the UAE. Known for her razor-sharp discipline both on and off the court, Maria's second act as an entrepreneur, investor and designer make her a natural fit for CFI. Speaking about the partnership, Maria said: 'CFI's focus on innovation, education and empowering individuals resonated with me. Whether in sport or business, success comes down to being intentional, prepared and willing to learn. 'I've always believed in the importance of staying curious, adapting to change and leading with purpose and those values have continued to guide me beyond the court.' CFI is scaling up its presence in key markets like the UAE, with a growing community of traders who want more from their platforms. With Sharapova on board, the connection between the brand and its users is about to get a major boost. *Time Out does not offer financial advice. Learn more:

Kilt-wearing attacker smashes case holding Scotland's Stone of Destiny
Kilt-wearing attacker smashes case holding Scotland's Stone of Destiny

1News

time15-07-2025

  • 1News

Kilt-wearing attacker smashes case holding Scotland's Stone of Destiny

A man from Australia has been charged with 'malicious mischief' for allegedly smashing a glass case holding the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scottish nationhood. Arnaud Harixcalde Logan, 35, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday to face the charge, which is similar to vandalism. Logan, whose address was given as Sydney, wasn't asked to enter a plea and was ordered detained until a hearing next week. Police said that they were called to a 'disturbance' at Perth Museum in central Scotland on Sunday, after reports of a kilt-wearing man attempting to smash the case containing the royal rock. The 150-kilogram sandstone block is also known as the Stone of Scone (Skoon) — and was used in the crowning ceremonies of medieval Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey, near Perth. It was stolen by England's King Edward I in the 13th century and taken to Westminster Abbey in London, where it was installed under the seat of the coronation chair. ADVERTISEMENT It has been used in coronations at the abbey ever since, first of English and then of British monarchs. The English and Scottish crowns were united under one monarch in the 17th century. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Trump's deadline for Russia, legal action against a supermarket giant, and an unusual marathon record. (Source: Breakfast) The stone's presence in London long irked Scottish nationalists. In 1950, it was stolen from Westminster Abbey by four Glasgow university students, but was returned in time for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It was given back to Scotland in 1996, 700 years after its seizure, and displayed in Edinburgh Castle, with the understanding that it would return to England for use in future coronations. Sensitivities around the stone meant that it had to be moved to London in secrecy and amid tight security for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Last year it was put on display at the newly renovated Perth Museum where, according to the building's website, there are 'a range of 24/7 security measures in place at the Museum to protect this precious object'. Culture Perth and Kinross, which oversees the museum, said the stone wasn't damaged in the incident.

Reader wonders about a little slice of history in downtown Rochester
Reader wonders about a little slice of history in downtown Rochester

Yahoo

time14-07-2025

  • General
  • Yahoo

Reader wonders about a little slice of history in downtown Rochester

Jul. 14—Dear Answer Man: I have heard there is a museum in downtown Rochester called the Veterans & Emergency Services Museum. Can you, and/or your various minions, find out where it is located, and a little more about it? — A History Buff. Dear Buff, Well, if you know the name, then you are already way ahead of most people in Rochester. And since a trip through the internet shows you actually have a connection to this place, I think you're looking for a little publicity. The Veterans & Emergency Services Museum, the brainchild of — among others — the late Tom Hosier, is dedicated to those people who, frankly, run toward disasters and dangers rather than away from them. Sherry Irvin, the museum's board vice president and a former EMT, said the museum is hoping to grow in the future from its humble, yet noteworthy, beginnings. For starters, the museum is located on the ground floor of the Hilton Rochester at 10 E. Center St. But Irvin said she and the board are hoping to develop partnerships with Mayo Clinic and the History Center of Olmsted County to be able to either find a new, larger space or places where more exhibits can be shown on a permanent or even temporary basis. "We're going to be changing our display for a Korean War display," she said, adding that the museum owns multiple uniforms from every branch of the military, plus other tools and even old K-rations. From law enforcement, firefighters and first responders to our men and women in the military, Irvin said she believes we need to do a better job of honoring their hard work and sacrifice. "They see the worst of the worst," she said, adding, "Without the veterans, we wouldn't have the rights that we have today. We need to honor those that kept us safe." With recent news of folks who saved people during the flooding in central Texas, not to mention our own firefighters, law enforcement, first responders and veterans right here in Southeast Minnesota, Answer Man concurs. Irvin said they get a lot of positive response from visitors who stay at the hotel when it comes to the museum, but "not a lot of people in Rochester know about it." So, next time you're there, stop by. Irvin said you can read all the explanations and take in the exhibits in about half an hour. And it's free of charge, though if you go to the museum's website at they'll happily take a donation. Honor your curiosity by sending questions to Answer Man at answerman@

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