PRIMI INTER PARES- The Famous - and the Forgotten

When Gavin McLean is not pondering from his Island Bay window the expert navigation of the ships that ply Cook Strait, he is thinking about those who have navigated the often even more tumultuous waters of New Zealand’s political history.

In mid 2009, he will curate Primi Inter Pares - a unique exhibition of portraiture of all New Zealand’s prime ministers from the earliest beginnings of our Parliament to the most recent election. He anticipates that the exhibition will comprise a complete pictorial, historical and biographical journey of the dates, deeds and contributions of these figures from our historical past and current times, through a series of painted portraits, photographs and cartoons.

In the 160 years since Henry Sewell led New Zealand’s first short ministry, around 40 men and women have held an office whose title has varied from ‘colonial secretary’ to ‘premier’and now ‘prime minister.’ Some, like Seddon, Savage and Muldoon, are famous- others are barely remembered.

As Senior Historian at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Gavin McLean sees the curatorial aspects of the Gallery exhibition as an ideal fit alongside his publication project. He is currently preparing a history of New Zealand prime minister-ship - the third in the Ministry’s series on the history of government in New Zealand which follows his own 2006 publication of The Governors: New Zealand’s Governors and Governors-General and John E Martin’s The House: NZ’s House of Representatives 1854- 2004. Among his prolific publication record are also several history and heritage guides to a number of NZ cities and numerous publications on local and national history, maritime history, and conservation subjects. He is also currently co-editing (with Ian McGibbon) an anthology of war writing, and co-writing (Tim Shoebridge) a history of Biosecurity in New Zealand.

PRIMI INTER PARES - Prime Ministers of New Zealand - NZ PORTRAIT GALLERY

Curated by Gavin Mclean July 9 - September 2 2009

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Last Updated: 2008-11-12