Obituary - Contribution to Mangawhai remembered

 

Chris Currie, 1950 – 2019

The talented Mangawhai Museum display designer was farewelled recently in Rotorua at a celebration of life after a long battle with cancer. 
Chris was a talented and innovative designer of museum displays, beginning his museum career undertaking creative workshops around NZ for National Services Te Paerangi. His creativity and skill has culminated in a long career at NZ museums, including 10 years at Waikato Art and History Museum, a period at Lopdell House in Titirangi, also being awarded a de Beer grant  to study museums in America. In 1988 Chris was engaged to help with the redesign of the Rotorua Museum where he worked for over ten years. When Waipu Museum expanded he was asked to develop their new displays. 

Innovation, creativity and colour, shape and form are indicative of his display skill which he has more than demonstrated in Mangawhai Museum where he became involved in 2010. Visiting frequently and working closely with our own display team and volunteers who were constructing the building, Chris developed unique displays centred around the harbour theme. Wife Lyndall worked closely with Chris, visiting with him in the latter stages of our build to assist with storyline and detail. 

What a wonderful contribution this couple has given to Mangawhai with their creativity and passionate skill. Chris will be missed by not only the Museum community but by all his other art, sailing, and friends with whom he shared his gentle and humble qualities of life.

- Christine Bygrave, Mangawhai Museum and Historical Society Board.

Chris Currie leaves a legacy of museum design innovation around New Zealand.