Frances Hodgkins – The Bridge

From its establishment in 1884 to the present moment, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection has been shaped by a vast network of people who have believed in, supported, and invested in its future. This includes works of art that have been generously gifted to the collection, as well as the privileged position of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery being written into someone’s last will and testament. A recent addition to the collection came in 2025, when Frances Hodgkins’ watercolour The Bridge (c.1907-08) was bequeathed to the collection. 

Having left her hometown of Ōtepoti Dunedin in 1901 and sailed to London, Hodgkins was living in Dordrecht, Holland for a year throughout 1907-08. Painted during this time, The Bridge reflects an active period of painting and drawing that provide insights into Hodgkins’ experiences of the city in the early 20th century. Expanding the Gallery’s holdings of Hodgkins’ works from this period, The Bridge sits alongside Dordrecht (c.1908) which was purchased in 1913 by public subscription. 

While The Bridge is not currently on display, we are looking forward to planning its exhibition debut!

Noho ora mai,
Lauren Gutsell
Kairauhī Curator
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
 

[Image: Frances Hodgkins The Bridge c.1907-08. Watercolour on paper on strawboard. Collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Bequeathed 2025 by Joan Mayes.]