Bequests benefit all say say donor family

GENEROSITY: Sarjeant Gallery director Greg Anderson, Jeanette Vallely, Ted Vallely, Gregor Vallely, Kerry Vallely and gallery trust chairwoman Nicola Williams.

The Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment project got a boost this week thanks to the generosity of the Vallely family.

Whanganui couple Ted and Jeanette Vallely, chartered accountant son Gregor and daughter-in-law Kerry presented a cheque for $20,000 to the gallery, with Ted Vallely saying he would like to encourage others to contribute to the project.

"Whanganui needs jewels in its crown," said Ted Vallely.

He said striking features like the river boardwalk, beautiful parks, the memorial tower and vintage transport like the Waimarie and tram attracted tourism and prosperity.

"The redevelopment of the Sarjeant will complement these features and help bring a positive and vibrant image for the city."

Mr Vallely said although his family were more interested in sport and music than visual arts, they recognised the importance of the Sarjeant Gallery to Whanganui.

"We see ourselves as quiet supporters of the gallery but keen supporters of the city and any organisation working to make it a better place," he said.

Sarjeant Gallery director Greg Anderson said the Sargeant Gallery collection was one of the biggest in the country and as large as the one held in Christchurch.

The total cost of earthquake strengthening the existing heritage building at Queens Park and construction of a new wing to house the extensive Sarjeant collection along with education and display facilities is estimated at $34.9 million.

Last year, the New Zealand government pledged $10 million to the project and the Sarjeant Gallery Trust needs to raise another $9 million.

Trust chair Nicola Williams said they were confident of achieving that target.

"We have seven individual pledges of $1 million and we are very grateful to people like you who recognise the value of the gallery to Whanganui," she told the Vallelys.

Redevelopment design drawings by Warren and Mahoney Architects have been prepared and are on display at the Sarjeant on the Quay temporary gallery.

Construction is expected to begin late this year with a two-year timeframe for completion.