Do you have a strange object gathering dust on a shelf or in the attic?

Do you have a strange object gathering dust on a shelf or in the attic? Do you have a curiosity hanging around that you don’t know much about?
In association with Heritage Week and the Masterton Museum: Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition, Aratoi are hosting The Curiosity Fayre, a special event where where the public can bring in their own curiosities for discussion with their panel of experts. Peter Wedde, Gareth Winter and Sarah McClintock will be discussing your objects on the 29 October between 11am and 2pm.
Peter Wedde is a well-known Wellington region antiques dealer who has been in the business for nearly 50 years. He started small in a Wellington antiques shop trading in vintage clothing and colonial furniture before heading overseas to work at Christies London in the ceramics and glass department and as a buyer.

Once back in New Zealand, Peter owned and operated an auction room in Wellington holding regular specialist art and antique auctions; has curated a couple of ceramic exhibitions and appeared regularly on TV.

Wairarapa legend Gareth Winter has recently retired after more than three decades at the Wairarapa Archive, but the historian says he still has a passion project or two in the works. Winter was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to historical research during last year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours,

Sarah McClintock, Aratoi’s new Director has a passion for New Zealand Art. She has an extensive background in exhibition, collection and heritage management having worked previously for Archives New Zealand, Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehuna Whanganui, and most recently as the Curator and Collection Manager at the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū in Nelson.

Sarah is passionate about arts and heritage in our regions and has devoted the last decade of her career to telling stories of places outside of major metropolitan centres. She has a love for the way in which history is told not only through art but in artefacts and documents.

Dust off those curios and bring them in!

The Curiosity Fayre ARATOI - this Sat 29 October - Drop in sessions between 11am and 2pm.