| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
University treasures previously hidden from public view have gone on display in the Registry.
A purpose-built cabinet on the sixth floor now houses the University mace, Letters Patent and other heritage items.
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| Registrar Jeff Field talks to UC Art Collection Curator Terri Elder about items in the new display. |
The idea for the display came from UC Registrar Jeff Field who felt the treasures should “be seen and appreciated by staff and visitors”.
“The mace and the Letters Patent are symbols of our institutional authority and are aesthetically significant and an important part of our heritage. The sixth floor is the most appropriate place for the treasures to be displayed as this is where the University Council meets.”
Art Collection Curator Terri Elder, who created the display with independent museums consultant Sally Papps, said it was important that the symbols of the University were on display for all to see.
“The new case provides a secure environment in which to make these treasures accessible to a wider audience. We will be able to rotate items on display and also use the cabinet to display items relevant to special anniversaries and celebrations.”
The University’s ceremonial mace was designed and made in 1953 at Oxford, England, by Francis J Cooper. The shaft of the mace is of oak from a beam removed from Big Tom Tower, at Christ Church, Oxford University, when the bell was rehung in 1953. The mace was presented to the University in March 1957 and has been used in every graduation since.
The Letters Patent gives the University authorisation to bear a coat of arms. When the University became autonomous in 1961, Chancellor C H Perkins sought formal approval for an official coat of arms. The new coat of arms, designed by Professor of Fine Arts John Simpson as an adaptation of the Canterbury College coat of arms, was approved and authorised by the English Kings of Arms in Letters Patent dated 10 May 1965.
Also on display are John Macmillan Brown’s reading glasses and a book that was part of a bequest that included 15,000 books from his personal collection. Professor Macmillan Brown (1846-1935) was a founding Professor of Canterbury College. He was a member of the University Senate from 1879, Vice-Chancellor of the University of New Zealand from 1916, and Chancellor from 1923 until his death.
The display also features capping magazines, an early trencher and mementoes of some influential University lecturers showing how they were remembered and celebrated by their colleagues and students.
For further information please contact:
Jeanette Colman
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph (03) 364 2260
jeanette.colman@canterbury.ac.nz