Being, Seeing, Making, Thinking: 50 Years of the Chartwell Project w/ Sue Gardiner and Megan Shaw: 28th March, 2025

Since its establishment in 1974, the Chartwell Project has championed the importance of creative visual thinking, shaping an expansive collection of contemporary art and an enduring programme of philanthropic and educational support.

Being, Seeing, Making, Thinking is a new book celebrating 50 years of the project, featuring a preface by Chartwell’s founder, Rob Gardiner, an essay by Chartwell’s chair, Sue Gardiner, a Timeline by co-editor Megan Shaw, and 50 accompanying texts on artworks. 

The book aligns with a new archival exhibition of the same name at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki curated by Megan Shaw with Freya Elmer and Philippa Robinson from the Gallery to celebrate the anniversary period until the 4th May. 

Sofia spoke to co-director of the Chartwell Collection, Sue Gardiner, and Chartwell Anniversary Project Manager, Megan Shaw, about the book and the history of Chartwell.