Sculpture in an historic setting.
Just three kilometres down Middle Road in Havelock North brings you to a different type of gallery, wherein worldwide cultures and time eras intertwine, creating a truly timeless experience.
Louise Stobart began crafting metal sculptures from old metal drums and scrap metal in 1991 on their commercial farm in Zimbabwe. She and her husband Bruce, along with their three young children relocated to New Zealand in 2003, having been forcibly evicted from their home. Louise's line of metal sculptures, under the name of Birdwoods Metal Sculpture, continue to produce sculptures from Harare, Africa which are sought after by collectors all over the world.
The Birdwoods Gallery now calls the relocated colonial St Peters Church Hall home and features Birdwoods sculptures and Shona stone sculptures as well as other New Zealand and international artists hand-made, one of a kind work that keeps the Birdwoods Gallery on the map as a local favourite and a spot not to be missed by out of towners.
"Everything in the gallery is made by someone who cares" says owner and originator Louise Stobart.
The Shona stone sculptures are a prime example and a major drawing point to Birdwoods Gallery. Five of the best stone sculpture carvers in the world all come from the Shona African tribe. During the past decade, Zimbabwe Shona stone sculpture has become the most-collected form of African art and it's no wonder that Zimbabwe means great stone house being the birthplace of many of these powerful works. Louise visits Zimbabwe regularly to work on her metal sculpture line, selecting new Shona pieces while picking up other interesting and individual treasures.
"I want visitors to really enjoy the experience. This is a living, breathing gallery and I want people to love this place and the essence of it" says Louise Stobart.
Do come and visit our recently opened sculpture walk and try our delicious scones, cream and jam...you will be pleasantly surprised!
Opening Hours
7 days a week from 10am to 4pm