Learn more about Hocken's Pictorial Collections
Services for Researchers
- Search for art and photographs on Hākena.
- See our guide for help with searching Hākena.
- For digitised photographs search Hocken Snapshop.
- Explore a selection of over a thousand digitised artworks on OURHeritage.
- Read our conditions of use and price list for our scanning, copying and reproduction services.
The Pictorial Collections are open Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm or by appointment.
Staff can help with finding images and information on artists in the collections. A free reference service is offered for queries relating to New Zealand art, photography and Hocken's collections.
Copies of images can be ordered, subject to preservation and copyright conditions.
Group visits and tours
General tours of Hocken are offered on Wednesdays at 11am and 2pm which can include viewing art "on the racks".
Researchers, curators, school, tertiary and community groups can arrange specialised research visits of pictorial collections by email or by phoning (03) 479-8871.
Art
Hocken's Pictures Collection has more than 17,000 artworks relating to New Zealand and the Pacific, dating from 18th century voyagers through to contemporary artists.
This is a magnificent resource for the study of New Zealand art history and provides abundant research material for the history and culture of New Zealand.
Artists with works in the collection include:
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Dr Hocken's original collection of pictures represents illustrative material intended for use by geographers, ethnologists and natural scientists.
Significant additions to the collection include artwork amassed by Charles Brasch, Mona Edgar and Rodney Kennedy.
See our Research Guide for Art History sources at the Hocken (431K)
Photographs
The Photographs Collection includes well over a million historic images from all over New Zealand, the Pacific, early Australia and Antarctica but with a focus on Otago.
Formats range from daguerreotypes, prints, albums, postcards, panoramas, 35mm slides to lantern slides, glass and film negatives and digital files.
Historic photographers represented include:
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While the policy in recent times has been for collecting documentary photography (as opposed to art photography housed with the paintings), contemporary photographers spanning the divide include:
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See what's on in the Gallery
The Hocken Gallery hosts a regular programme of exhibitions showcasing collections, artwork by Frances Hodgkins Fellows and travelling exhibits.
