The official opening ceremony for the Hamilton Gardens was held on 24 July 1960. Sixty-six years later Hamilton Gardens boasts 18 ‘concept’ gardens and a burgeoning international reputation that draws over a million visitors every year. It is noted as a world-class destination site.

Although there are innumerable photographs taken and shared, there is currently no art-inspired representation of this iconic installation. Artists such as Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pissarro, Bosch, Kahlo and Klimt all studied and painted gardens of note. Building on the pastiche created by these and many other great artists, the Welcome Swallow Gallery is holding an exhibition entitled The Art of Hamilton Gardens that opened on 17th April 2026 running until 5th June (see catalogue cover and Catalogue pdf  below).

THE EXHIBITION OPENED BY THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL MAYOR, TIM MACINDOE

Given the title of the exhibition and the interest shown in the Gardens in Hamilton, generally, it was unsurprising that the gallery faced an enourmous audience, at one point numbering close to 200, with people spilling out into the street and into the gift shop. Drawn back in, by the lure of cocktails and canapes from our gallery benefactor and sponsor, The Montana Catering Group, the evening was tight, intimate and all abuzz.   

No matter, Mayor Tim Macindoe opened the exhibition with a passionate speech about the importance of the Gardens and his own background as a garden guide before becoming an MP, Cabinet Minister and now City Mayor. He thanked all the artists and implored those present to take a piece of the gardens with them before leaving the gallery. 

Garden Director, Lucy Ryan shared her thoughts regarding carrying on the work of origional designer of the Gardens, Peter Sergel. Like the Mayor, Lucy called out the real opportunity to take the Gardens home with them.

On behalf of all the artists participating in the exhibition, Hong Cumming shared her personal and indeed family journey through the Gardens sharing how they have inspired her personally and as an artist.

Finally, gallery Curator, Clive Gilson thanked the wonderful musicians, Waikato Baroque and the gallery 'hangmen' Michael and Jonathon Porritt, before inviting the huge audience to consider that the evening was a moment in their own art history shared with the magnificent art that adorned the exhibition walls. 

Later in the evening a cake celebrating ten years for the gift shop and seven years for the gallery, was cut by Trust Chair and CEO Dr. Dorothy Gilson with Joanne Tomlinson; as they had done seven years previously (see below). The cake that was specially commissioned by the Friends of the Gallery, was consumned as the bar ran out of wine... In between, several paintings were sold.