On Thursday 4 September, award-winning art historian and writer Dr Joanne Drayton gave a talk at the National Library to introduce her latest publication Ngaio Marsh: her life in crime.
In introducing the author to the audience, Chief Executive and National Librarian Penny Carnaby commended the 2007 National Library Fellow, saying "someone with Joanne's depth of scholarship is wonderful to be around, helping to foster a research culture which is the essence of the National Library of New Zealand."
The evening carried the audience along a journey as Joanne explored the 'remarkable trinity of Ngaio Marsh, her three careers'. One of the celebrated 1930s and 40s 'Queens of Crime', Ngaio Marsh was probably our first million-copy author. Her tightly written, stylish 'whodunits' were perennial favourites, rating alongside Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers.
She was also seriously in love with the theatre, and her triumphant return to New Zealand to establish the Court Theatre in Christchurch saw her feted and honoured with the title dame of the British Empire. Dame Ngaio dominated the New Zealand performing arts scene for many years before her death.
In responding to a question regarding the national identity of Ngaio Marsh, Dr Drayton commented "Ngaio wrote four books which were based in New Zealand in which she explored the relationship between New Zealand, the landscape and biculturalism…she was fiercely a New Zealander…while also a citizen of the world."
Joanne is an accomplished curator, lecturer and art historian and also the author of books on a number of famous New Zealand artists; namely Edith Collier, Rhona Haszard and Frances Hodgkins.
Hon Judith Tizard, Minister Responsible for the National Library, was also present to congratulate Joanne and commended her "marvellous progress as an National Library research fellow", adding that "Joanne brings enormous passion for the creative process".
Ngaio Marsh: her life in crime by Dr Joanna Drayton is published by HarperCollins and is on sale from 1 October 2008.
Download high-resolution images from the event
For more information
Christine Brennan, Senior Communications & Marketing Advisor
Phone: (04) 474 3000 ext 8664
Mobile 027 223 5159
Email: christine.brennan@natlib.govt.nz
