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NLIS 1
January 24, 2001
(Tourism, Culture, and Recreation)

 

Government repatriates Grenfell Collection to the province


Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Acting), announced today that the province has acquired the Robin Moore Collection of Grenfell Artifacts, a 170 piece collection of great significance to the culture and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"The Newfoundland Museum currently has a collection of 206 pieces of Grenfell material consisting of mats, a wide range of textiles, ivory and wooden pieces, toys and books," said Minister Kelly. "We are very fortunate to receive these additional pieces from Ms. Moore, as they complement the existing collection in Newfoundland and Labrador and serve as a legacy to the people of the north." 

Over the past few decades, Canadian collector Ms. Robin Moore has brought together individual Grenfell artifacts into a significant collection which reflects the story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell's outstanding dedication to the fishing families of this province through the Grenfell Medical Mission, as well as his unique vision of economic diversification and self-sufficiency through the establishment of craft production with the Grenfell "Industrial". The collection is also an important testament to the creativity and hard work of the craftspeople of northern Newfoundland and Labrador and to their work with the Industrial. In addition to the collection at the Museum, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador has a collection of 13,000 historic images and related archival material documenting the work of Grenfell and the International Grenfell Association. 

This acquisition is part of the province's priority to better preserve and present the culture and heritage of the province and is intended to raise awareness of the need to bring back some of the antiques and archaeological material that have been taken out of the province or sold to collectors. The accomplishments of Sir Wilfred Grenfell are among our unique stories of international significance and it is fitting that the provincial government has acquired such an important legacy for future generations. Having this collection returned to the province will mean that the provincial Grenfell collection is the most significant collection of Grenfell material nationally and internationally and will be available for study, exhibition, touring and interpretation for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. 

"The Robin Moore Collection is outstanding in its quantity and quality of materials relating to the Grenfell Period and includes among other items, hooked mats, ivories and wooden dolls," added Minister Kelly. "The purchase of this collection is a reflection of this government's commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage, as the collection is of significant cultural value to the province."

A sample of artifacts from the collection is currently being exhibited at the Newfoundland Museum on Duckworth Street in St. John's. 

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928

2001 01 24                                          10:05 a.m.


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