New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, Wellington, N.Z. November 1939 to April 1940. Image reproduced with permission of Walker Group Architects Ltd. Designer: Walker & Muston (ATL ref. Eph-E-EXHIBITION-1939-03) In late 2011 the Ephemera Collection received a welcome donation from the Bank of New Zealand Archives. The poster promotes the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, and shows art deco influence in a concept drawing of a large open courtyard at the Exhibition by architect Ron Muston. Although the Second World War was underway, there is a wonderful optimism in the sculptures and the golden sky of concentric bands with the date '1940' shining over all. However, this courtyard was not realised in the final Exhibition building. The poster shows displays by individual manufacturers – there were over 300 in the various Exhibition courts. On 14 October 1939, at a private dance at the Centennial Exhibition Cabaret, the guests admired the modern lighting and the charming interior decorations. The mayor, Mr Hislop, thanked the builders and architects for their contributions, and praised private exhibitors for their achievements despite 'the uncertainty engendered by the war, acute financial problems, and, many other adverse conditions' (Evening Post, 1 November 1939).

Turnbull Library Record, Volume 45, 1 January 2013, Page 94

New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, Wellington, N.Z. November 1939 to April 1940. Image reproduced with permission of Walker Group Architects Ltd. Designer: Walker & Muston (ATL ref. Eph-E-EXHIBITION-1939-03) In late 2011 the Ephemera Collection received a welcome donation from the Bank of New Zealand Archives. The poster promotes the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, and shows art deco influence in a concept drawing of a large open courtyard at the Exhibition by architect Ron Muston. Although the Second World War was underway, there is a wonderful optimism in the sculptures and the golden sky of concentric bands with the date '1940' shining over all. However, this courtyard was not realised in the final Exhibition building. The poster shows displays by individual manufacturers - there were over 300 in the various Exhibition courts. On 14 October 1939, at a private dance at the Centennial Exhibition Cabaret, the guests admired the modern lighting and the charming interior decorations. The mayor, Mr Hislop, thanked the builders and architects for their contributions, and praised private exhibitors for their achievements despite 'the uncertainty engendered by the war, acute financial problems, and, many other adverse conditions' (Evening Post, 1 November 1939).