Theo (1918-2005) and Koula (1927-2014) were a couple who shared a passion for collecting. Their home in the rural foothills of Whakamarama, just north of Tauranga, became a treasure house of exotic figurines and objects, Thai furniture, Persian rugs and over 300 paintings and sculptures. 

This exhibition is only a selection of this impressive collection. It represents works by local, national and international artists alongside Koula’s own studio and paintings. While the couple both loved acquiring beautiful things it was Koula who was particularly interested in art.

Following Theo’s passing, Koula continued to add to the collections and became a significant figure on the local art scene. She attended numerous local exhibitions and travelled to Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland for inspiration and to acquire new works.

This exhibition has been generously supported by the Kathleen Kirkby Charitable Trust and Perpetual Guardian. Special thanks to Tom Vellinga and Annemarie Groenenberg and Zeus Gallery.