Local resident, Virginia Gallagher, has released over a hundred cats from the boxes in her garage!
These form just a part of her collection of ornamental cats which she has gathered over many years, and which she is happy to display at Raglan Museum’s “Collectors and their Collections” Exhibition, opening on 16 September.
Virginia introduced me to her first porcelain kitten which belonged to her mum and was gifted to her when she was 15. Once she was married and setting up her own home, she unwrapped the kitten and had it on display. This started her passion for scouring galleries and op shops during her many holidays both locally and abroad. She was fascinated that the town of Worthing would choose to sell a porcelain kitten in a gum boot with a plastic daisy on it, as a souvenir! Her collection covers everything, from lovable kitsch, to her prized possession – an elegant Egyptian feline from the prestigious New York Museum of Metropolitan Art. Then there’s the Chinese version of the game, Knucklebones, consisting of a cluster of tiny bean bag kittens to thrust into the air; some wooden “Russian doll “cats; a regal King Cat from Hampton Court Palace; wooden puzzle cats (Virginia loves puzzles!)…and many cat families made out of all sorts of materials! (And there are even 4 tiny mice, which we challenge museum visitors to find!)
This interest made it easy for family and friends when it came to birthdays. Two prized possessions are a silver mum and babe couple, as well as a beautifully decorated porcelain cat, bought by her son when he worked in Malaysia.
For many years her cats held pride of place in Virginia’s home, installed on a special set of shelves. But as the space was needed, they were banished to the garage, with only one large wooden cat remaining to keep an eye on things from a kitchen shelf!
And now, visitors to the museum will be able to enjoy these lovable creatures, along with many other special collections.
Other exhibitions include floristry items donated by a longstanding Raglan resident and ardent museum supporter, Eileen Beach-Kelly. Eileen was renowned in New Zealand for her floral art and started a very successful florist shop in Hamilton at the tender age of 23. Beach Barbies will make an appearance, as well as toy tractors, ornate mirrors and many more collections that are sure to elicit feelings of nostalgia in visitors.
So bring your friends and families to view this new exhibition and the many other fascinating exhibits in your local museum.
Entry is $5 for adults and $2 for school-age children. Or support us by taking out an annual Family or Individual Membership ($20/ $15)
