The Passing of Galvan Macnamara

Most readers have known this Galvan man as the most famous James Mack, the mover and shaker of the art world from the late fifties to 2000.

This very gifted, quixotic man put the whole weight of his passion and drive behind the craft creators of this country. He lauded, exhibited, proclaimed and promoted the now renowned greats. Indeed, he led the craft movement. To do this he had to confront the institutions and people who held the power. In retrospect, he was hugely successful.

All the prime craft exhibitions which travelled internationally were conceived and curated by him. The most memorable national exhibitions, whether at the Dowse or the then National Museum, had his stamp upon them -historic and unparalleled. Sadly, more of his brilliant ideas were turned down than taken up, because there wasn't the funds (other art forms were perceived of greater importance) and perhaps his irascible personality sometimes got in the way.

All geniuses across the centuries have been reputedly difficult to work with; Galvan, apparently, was no different. But I never found him so. I worked with him on many major projects and I stand in awe of all the attributes he exhibited that made him such a winning, brilliant professional. He lit up the lives of the public he presented to.

It is extremely hard to accept and to fathom why the team selecting New Zealand honours turned down an application many of Galvan's admirers and friends put forward. He did not know that we had done that, and I was about to take him the folder so that he would know for sure that he was enormously respected and loved by many artists. His train left unscheduled; I hold the folder. We are all bereft.

The Trustees of this board have Galvan to thank for this website. When it became clear that it would be a long haul to fund a craft resource building at the Dowse, Galvan said, with his usual vision, "Create a website -another first for craft. I'll help you raise the money."

As good as his word, he conceived and curated the initial two exhibitions: the cyber auction at Parliament and the conventional one at the Dowse - in conjunction with the art union, which gave us the base funding to begin work. He also named the Trust: "A Treasury of New Zealand Craft Resources". And later he curated the virtual Millenium Exhibition.

What will we do without him? Who will take on his mantle as the God of New Zealand Craft?

Edith Ryan

If you wish you may share comments and memories of Galvan here.

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