I’ve curated an exhibition at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House. ‘Ursula Bethell A Fine and Private Place’ features paintings and archival materials from the library’s collection. Ursula (1874-1945) was a pivotal figure in New Zealand literature. Bethell, who initially published under the pseudonym Evelyn Hayes, settled in New Zealand in 1924 with her lifelong companion Effie Pollen. Their house Rise Cottage in Cashmere was the focus of her first collection, From a garden in the Antipodes, published in 1929.  The exhibition is a  collaboration between Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown Library and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

I’ve also put together a programme of speakers, starting this Sunday

‘Our small fond human enclosures’ – Ursula Bethell  Sun, November 20, 2022, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Christine Whybrew,  Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, will share some heritage places associated with Ursula Bethell. During the talk, Christine will also discuss the Rainbow List Project which aims to improve the diversity of Rārangi Kōrero, the New Zealand Heritage List, by recognising places of significance to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LGBTTFQI+ communities.

Poetry readings Friday, November 25^th 3PM – 4PM

University of Canterbury lecturer Dr. Nicholas Wright and current Masters of Writing students who will read some of Ursula’s poetry and then share their own written responses. This is an opportunity to support emerging writers. Nicholas Wright is lecturer in English and coordinator of the Masters of Writing programme.

Floor talk Sat Dec 3rd 2PM

I’ll discuss Ursula Bethell and my approach to  curating archival materials.

If you haven’t visited Te Whare Waiutuutu, it is absolutely gorgeous in the spring. The exhibition is free however usual admission charges apply for Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House.

Thanks to the MBL team, Zina, and Ryan for their help 🙂

Ngā mihi,
Erin