Sarah Hillary

Stripping Art Down: An Auckland Conservator's Wild Ride with Forgeries and Taonga!

Ever wonder how art forgers are caught? Dive into Sarah Hillary's captivating journey as she unveils layers of hidden treasures and the importance of preserving our taonga.

In the bustling world of Auckland's art scene, few people possess the knowledge and experience that Sarah Hillary brings to the table as a conservator. With 40 years of dedicated service, she has seen it all—from the thrilling discoveries of hidden works of art to the heart-wrenching realities of forgeries that threaten the integrity of the art world. Sarah's journey has not only been about preservation but about unveiling the true stories that lie behind these artistic creations. Each artwork is a living testament to history, and she insists on taking a closer look before we can appreciate its beauty fully.

The thrill of working with art that often has layers upon layers of paint, varnish, and age is something that Sarah finds particularly rewarding. "You never quite know what you're going to discover underneath the surface!" she exclaims, clearly excited by the possibilities. Whether it's uncovering small details that reveal the artist's hand or identifying modifications that point to contemporary forgeries, her work reveals the intricate dance between authenticity and deception present in the art world. This means getting down to the nitty-gritty—sometimes even stripping paint layers to pinpoint timeline deviations.

Sarah's mission transcends mere artistry; it speaks to the importance of preserving our taonga, the treasures that represent New Zealand's identity and culture. Each piece has its story, and as a conservator, Sarah feels a profound responsibility to not only preserve it but also to educate others about its significance. "Art is not just about what you see, it's about what it means to us as a society. We must protect our taonga for the next generations," she passionately asserts. Through her work, she inspires a respect for New Zealand's unique heritage that's often shrouded in mystery.

But it’s not all serious business in the life of an art conservator! Sarah often encounters humor and unexpected twists along her journey - like the time she found a hidden nude in a seemingly unremarkable painting. Who knew that a layer of dust could cover such cheeky revelations? These stories keep her grounded and remind her that while art can be a serious endeavor, it’s also about connection, surprise, and even laughter.

Did you know that some of the most famous forgeries in the world were created by artists who could have easily made a name for themselves? Names like Han van Meegeren swirled exaggerated tales of fine fabric and elite clientele! Meanwhile, here in New Zealand, we’re lucky enough to have taonga like the iconic Waka Huia, which dated back to the 18th century, preserving our rich cultural history - and you better believe it’s in safe hands with conservators like Sarah!