Winner of: New Zealand Post 2014 Book of the Year, Best Non-Fiction Book From Montana award-winning author Jill Trevelyan comes the first biography of Peter McLeavey, the charismatic, pioneering art dealer who since the 1950s has shaped—even transformed—New Zealand art. McLeavey’s personal story is remarkable but in it, his contemporaries will recognise common themes: the religious upbringing; the struggle to be bohemian in a repressive, midcentury small town; the quiet agonies of marriage and children, the need to make a mark. Through exclusive access to McLeavey’s extensive and hitherto untapped archive of letters, diaries, exhibition files and more, this book offers insights into the artists McLeavey has represented across half a century. Here, in their own words—lively, salty, and often heartbreaking—are Colin McCahon, Toss Woollaston, Len Lye, Milan Mrkusich, Michael Smither, Gordon Walters, Michael Illingworth, Don Driver, Robin White, John Reynolds, Yvonne Todd, and many, many more. Far more than a simple biography, this is the big story of contemporary New Zealand art itself, in a period of massive change and growth, and Trevelyan offers an utterly fresh and compelling historical account of the birth of the modern art market and the status of art today. A must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand’s art, culture or recent history.

Peter McLeavey: The life and times of a New Zealand art dealer

Trevelyan, Jill

Humor & Entertainment

Te Papa Press

Rita Angus: An Artist's Life

Arts & Photography

Individual Artists

The first book to be devoted to Robin Whites art in 40 years. Its assessment of her remarkable 50 years as an artist includes fresh perspectives by 24 writers and interviewees from Australia, the Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand and celebrates her status as one of our most important artists. Including more than 150 of her artworks, from early watercolour and drawings through to the exquisite recent collaborations with Pasifika artists, as well as photographs from throughout Robin Whites career, this book captures the life of a driven, bold, much-loved artist whose practice engages with the world and wrestles with its complexities.

Robin White: Something is happening here

Farrar PhD, Sarah

Tonga PhD, Nina

Biographies & Memoirs

Rita Angus (1908–70) was one of New Zealand’s most loved and respected artists. Landscapes and portraits such as Cass, Central Otago, and Rutu have become national icons. But until now, Angus’s life has remained a mystery. In this fascinating book, Jill Trevelyan (editor of Toss Woollaston: A Life in Letters) paints a vivid picture of Rita Angus the person – curious and forthright, staunchly pacifist and feminist, and wholly dedicated to her art. Stunning artworks, personal photographs, and insightful letters help bring Angus’s colourful and complex story to life.

History & Criticism

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Books by Trevelyan, Jill