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We are blessed with many treasures at St.Patrick's. Explore some of them here.
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Bust of Bishop Pompallier
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Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier was the first Catholic bishop of New
Zealand.
In 1937, Archbishop James Liston commissioned Mr. William Wright to execute a
bronze bust of Bishop Pompallier to mark the centenary of the prelate's first
arrival in New Zealand in 1838.
The commission was carried out at the Elam School of Art, Auckland.
The bust was unveiled in the Cathedral in April 1938 and described as follows: "executed
from extant likenesses of the Bishop, it is considered to be a fine
representation of his character and bearing. The ecclesiastical habit and
decorations, including the Cross of the Legion of Honour, are equally
authentic." New Zealand Herald 30 April 1938.
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Artist: William Henry Wright
Artist's Background:
Born at Plains Farm, Mappinby Plains, Nottingham, England on 19 January 1886.
Studied at the Nottingham College of Arts and Crafts from 1900 - 1912. Won a
National Gold Medal three times as a sculptor and was recognised as one of
Britain's finest art students. Awarded a National Scholarship in 1912 to study
at the Royal College of Art, London. Graduated in 1917 after five years of
study. His teacher at the time, Edouard Lanteri, spoke high praise for his
student: "Mr. Wright has been… one of the best students, who have passed in
that School during the 37 years I have been teaching there. He is not only the
most competent about the Modelling of the Human figure, but also an excellent
designer. He always shows in his work a great and very refined artistic
feeling, strong in character and style". Embarked on a professional sculpting
career until taking up a teaching post at the Elam School of Art in 1926.
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