“An architectural perspective presents, not what the eye sees, but a pictorial representation of a building. Unlike an orthogonal drawing, in which the vanishing point is assumed to be at infinity, it is subjective, rather than objective. Although a perspective drawing should always serve the building represented, rather than being an excuse for a bravura display of drafting, many are compelling works of art in their own right.

The aim of this exhibition is to explore New Zealand’s rich collection of perspective drawings to gain a unique view on our architectural past. Many are important designs that have been destroyed or were never built. Some appear in unfamiliar forms. At a time when digital drafting techniques are rendering the traditional perspective obsolete it is timely to look back on a disappearing art form and to be reminded of the need to preserve those which remain as an integral part of our architectural heritage. Curated by Ian Lochhead.”

REVIEW