Happy returns for art curator

The Sarjeant Gallery's new curator of collections, Jennifer Taylor Moore, is at home both in Wanganui and in the Sarjeant Gallery. Photo/Rae Cliffe

Jennifer Taylor Moore's new job as the Sarjeant Gallery's curator of collections is a double homecoming.

Wanganui born and raised, Mrs Taylor Moore's first work experience was at the Sarjeant Gallery.

She has returned to Wanganui from London via Tauranga, bringing along her husband and three daughters, and she's happy to be back in the city she left many years ago.

And she's thrilled to be back at the Sarjeant Gallery.

"I volunteered here when I was studying at the Quay School of the Arts. It's very special to me, and of course a lot of the collection is very familiar to me."

Mrs Taylor Moore said she had always been interested in art and creativity, and as a youngster wanted to be an artist.

"As I got older I got more interested in looking after art," she said.

"I'm responsible for all the handling, storing and documentation of the collection. It's an important role, and it's quite a responsibility."

Her major project currently is preparing the collection for removal and storage ahead of the Sarjeant's shift to temporary premises, so the building can be restored and earthquake strengthened.

"It's keeping me busy, but we're well on the way. It's just the finer details we have to work out now," Mrs Taylor Moore said.

She and her family are enjoying being back in Wanganui. "It's nice to be back, there's a lot of artists and creative people here."

Mrs Taylor Moore said she was looking forward to working with the Sarjeant's collection.

"It's a treasure, and it's a privilege to work with it."