Australian artist Bobby Graham found inspiration when visiting the Far North’s Pompallier Mission recently.
Australian artist Bobby Graham found inspiration when visiting the Far North’s Pompallier Mission recently.
Northland’s historic places continue to inspire people, including an Australian artist who found a visit to a Far North site sparked her creativity.
Pompallier Mission, the historic printery in Russell cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, has something for everyone – evenvisiting artists.
The 183-year-old Tohu Whenua located just a brief stroll from Russell’s wharf, in the Bay of Islands, boasts some of the community’s most beautiful public open green space where visitors can lounge in the shade, enjoy a coffee from the French Coffee House, explore Pompallier Mission’s charming “promiscuous garden”, and even feel a surge of inspiration.
Australian artist Bobby Graham recently experienced the latter during a memorable visit to the historic Catholic printery building – once the heart of Bishop Pompallier’s Roman Catholic mission to Oceania.
With a background in art therapy, publishing and digital media, Graham is an advocate for intentional, reflective and visual ways of experiencing the world – and Pompallier Mission delivered.
A sketch by visiting Australian artist Bobby Graham of Pompallier Mission, in the Bay of Islands.
“Bobby had her sketch book with her and immediately started doodling and creating some beautiful illustrations which she then shared with us,” visitor services co-ordinator Cornelia Schmidt said.
“She loved the historical experience of Pompallier Mission, but also the special ambience of this place, which many visitors comment on, and which inspired her to create these beautiful pictures.”
Pompallier Mission is open throughout summer and provides new inspiration every day, according to Cornelia. It’s one of many historic sites in Northland administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
“We offer an incredible hands-on heritage attraction in what must be one of the most beautiful places in the Bay of Islands. It’s an experience not to be missed,” she said.
For more information on Northland’s historic sites visit the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website.
