8 Dec 2019

Hunting down an historical cabinet

From Standing Room Only, 12:36 pm on 8 December 2019

Part classic detective work, part loving restoration - Akaroa Museum is now home to a rare repatriated and restored piece of New Zealand furniture history.

The Museum's curator Daniel Smith went in search of work by Banks Peninsula farmer and carver John Menzies, and located a large Pataka cabinet of his in Australia. 

Daniel arranged to have the cabinet - made in 1890 - shipped home and restored by William Cottrell, who specialises in Colonial furniture.

Lynn Freeman talked with William and Daniel, who she asked why he was such a fan of Menzies' carving.

The John Menzies Pataka cabinet is on show at Akaroa Museum before being moved to the Christchurch Art Gallery.