Why not a gallery again?

When is a house not a house? When it was an art gallery for 63 years.

I was incensed to read that Anderson House is now considered a ‘‘blank canvas’’.

From 1951 to 2014, the bequest of the Anderson family provided Invercargill with a unique combination of parkland, a stately home and an unrivalled art collection.

Anderson Park was supported by dedicated committee members, gallery staff and by generations of generous donors. The grounds and gallery were always well patronised by the public.

This was all abandoned with indecent haste in 2014 when Anderson House was declared a danger to the public and to the art collection.

Eight years on, the beloved art gallery is empty, and the dedicated art collection remains homeless.

Now renovated and strengthened, why not purpose Anderson House as an art gallery once more?

Reverse those precipitate decisions made in 2014 with minimal public support, and keep faith with the vision of Sir Robert and Lady Anderson.