Dr Bronwyn Lloyd announced as Blumhardt Curator 2021

Author: Steph McDonald, Communications Manager

The Dowse is excited to announce Dr Bronwyn Lloyd as its 2021 Blumhardt Curator, as part of a new programme developed by the Blumhardt Foundation in partnership with Creative New Zealand.

Dr Bronwyn Lloyd

The Blumhardt Curator Programme 2021 is hosted by both The Dowse and the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui. It provides the opportunity for the recipient to develop a new exhibition and publication that centres around craft/object practice in Aotearoa.

Lloyd will explore the rich textile histories of Te Awakairangi ki tai, Lower Hutt, from the Petone Woollen Mills opened in the 1880s to today’s artisanal makers, for a new exhibition at Petone Settlers Museum Te Whare Whakaaro o Pito-one in 2022.

Lloyd has a Master of Arts in Art History and a PhD in English from the University of Auckland. With a wealth of knowledge and experience within the craft sector, she has curated projects for Objectspace, Lopdell House Gallery, and as an independent curator and writer.

Lloyd says the opportunity is “a real privilege to work with a space so steeped in local history.”

“I love exhibitions that connect the past to the present in ways that spark new conversations. The Petone Settlers Museum building, and the collections it contains, is rich with possibilities.”

“I’m so grateful to the Blumhardt Foundation and The Dowse for creating this opportunity, which will allow me to develop a craft exhibition that draws on my passion for textile art with narrative and social history elements,” says Lloyd.

“I’m excited that this curatorial project brings with it the support and skills of the amazing team at The Dowse.”

Karl Chitham, Director of The Dowse and Petone Settlers Museum, says “Dr Bronwyn Lloyd has an amazing understanding of craft histories in Aotearoa.”

“As a maker, writer and curator, she has unique experience and knowledge of the way that studio craft can help tell our stories.”

“Craft histories are an important part of our nation’s story,” he says. “Lower Hutt’s textile production has a long history, through the Petone Woollen Mills and other textile manufacturers, so this project is a great opportunity to link those narratives with contemporary makers.”

“The Dowse has a decades-long association with the Blumhardt Foundation. We are excited to be part of this new initiative with Dr Lloyd to explore innovative ways to look at contemporary craft. These makers and their works form part of our dynamic history of making in Aotearoa.”

Philip Clarke, Blumhardt Foundation Chair, says “we are delighted that The Dowse selected curator/writer/maker Dr Bronwyn Lloyd. She is a very respected independent curator with a reputation for innovative curatorial practice.”

“The Blumhardt Foundation is committed to offering professional development opportunities for craft/object art curators,” he says. “We are excited to be partnering with The Dowse Art Museum and Sarjeant Art Gallery to pilot our new Blumhardt Curator Programme with the support of Creative New Zealand.”

Deputy Mayor of Lower Hutt Tui Lewis says “I’m excited by Dr Lloyd’s appointment, and even more excited by the opportunity to put our city’s rich craft history on display.”

“While Lower Hutt and Petone has undergone so much built change, it’s good to look back on how the early creatives helped contribute to our social history change – with their input of wonderful hand crafted works.”

The Blumhardt Foundation was established to advance the craft/object art sector which includes the fields and practices of studio ceramics, glass, jewellery, metal, fibre work and other ‘craft’ practices.

The Blumhardt Curator Programme 2021 is an evolution of the long established and successful Creative New Zealand Blumhardt Curatorial Internship that was administered by The Dowse Art Museum from 2006-2020.

Petone Settlers Museum Te Whare Whakaaro o Pito-one is a free public museum which collects, cares for and shares the social history of Petone and Lower Hutt. The museum occupies one of New Zealand’s most significant memorial buildings – the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial.

It’s located on The Esplanade on Petone’s waterfront, and is open from 10am-4pm every day during summer, and from Wednesday-Sunday in winter.

For more information, interviews & images, contact:

Steph McDonald, Senior Communications Advisor
steph.mcdonald@huttcity.govt.nz | 027 424 1716