PM to present Michael King sculpture

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
28 March 2006

A bronze head of the late Michael King has been commissioned by the Friends of the Turnbull Library. Sculpted by Anthony Stones, a personal friend of Michael, the bronze will be formally presented to the Alexander Turnbull Library on Thursday evening by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, to be held in trust for the people of New Zealand.

'Michael had a very close connection with the Turnbull Library, as a researcher and as the National Library Fellow in 1990, as a Trustee of the National Library, an exhibition curator for the National Library Gallery, and as a member of the Friends who featured on our programme of speakers and was a very loyal supporter,' said Rachel Underwood, President of the Friends.

'We thought this a fitting way to honour his memory following the death of Michael and his wife, Maria, in a tragic car accident, two years ago on 30 March, coincidentally, on the same date that the presentation will be made. As an historian, Michael worked in many fields to communicate understanding of our history, our society, and our possibilities as a nation.

'Michael King was the person who approached the Friends about commissioning a bronze of Janet Frame, whose confidence he gained during his work on her biography. She agreed to allow Anthony Stones to create the sculpture from life, and there is a wonderful series of photos in the Turnbull Library of Janet Frame, Anthony Stones, and the model taking shape. There is a line of connection between all these people that gives added significance to this presentation.'

The Michael King bronze will join a number of bronze heads of New Zealand writers in the Alexander Turnbull Library.

ENDS

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