Public Art in Central Christchurch

Ex Tenebris Lux

Category: Sculpture Title: Ex Tenebris Lux Primary artist(s): Ernest Gillick Other collaborators: E.W Armstrong designed pedestal base Execution date: 1937 Media: Bronze Approximate dimensions: h 2.05m w 1.1m d .81m Location: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue Setting: Placed outside the entrance to the Robert McDougall Art Gallery Owner / administrator: The Robert McDougall Art Gallery, Christchurch City Council

Robert McDougall donated money for the building of a Christchurch art gallery. The Robert McDougall Art Gallery opened in 1932 with only four sculptural works. These sculptures did not do justice to the sculpture court that the architect had incorporated into the Gallery. In 1937 Robert McDougall wrote to Professor William Constable in an attempt to remedy this shortcoming. Constable who was Director and Professor of Art History at the Courtauld Institute University of London, was asked by McDougall to purchase a suitable sculpture on his behalf.

Constable chose a work exhibited by Ernest Gillick during the Royal Academy's 1937 exhibition. The work Ex Tenebris Lux, was an allegorical work symbolising enlightenment and knowledge. Earlier in 1935 Gillick had produced another work with the same title for the Birmingham Hospital Centre. The bronze sculpture was presented by Robert McDougall to the citizens of Christchurch.

In order for Ex Tenebris Lux to integrate with its architectural setting, the Gallery's architect was engaged to design a complimentary plinth. The sculpture was positioned in the sculpture court from 1938 until it was moved to a nondescript corner in 1972. In 1980 Ex Tenebris Lux was once again placed in a more prominent position. Sighted outside to the left of the Gallery's entrance the 'lady with the lamp' greets the visitors to the Robert McDougall.

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