Prophet without honour: Margaret Butler and the status of sculpture in New Zealand, 1937–40

Abstract

This article consists of two parts, an introductory text, followed by long-forgotten primary source publications from 1937 to 1940 in the Evening Post, Dominion and Art in New Zealand. Predominantly letters to the editor, they address the reputation and profile of the sculptor Margaret Butler who had returned to her native New Zealand in 1934 after a prolonged stint overseas. Their authors include the literary figures Charles Marris and Alan Mulgan. They all note the critical acclaim she achieved in Paris and Vienna, and the merits of her sculpture. The writers also ask why native artistic talent appears to be neglected by institutions such as the newly-established National Art Gallery in favour of expensive overseas art, and press for the acquisition of more of Butler’s works. No official response was recorded and in any case Butler’s sculptural career had effectively ended by the time of the last such letter, dated November 1940.