Rust + Restoration He Waikura He Whakauka

When a stack of rusty, dust-covered film cans arrived at Ngā Taonga, it was a surprise to find much of the film inside was in great condition. The films were from the collection of Thomas H. Whetton, freelance cameraman and inventor.

Quality footage showing the immediate aftermath of the 1931 Napier earthquake was a major highlight of his work. The journey to restore and preserve Whetton’s work is showcased in Rust + Restoration | He Waikura He Whakauka, an exhibition now on in the Te Puna Foundation Gallery at the National Library Building.

This is one example of the crucial work done by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, the audiovisual archive for Aotearoa.