"A liberal turn of mind" the architectural work of F.Gordon Wilson 1936-1959 a cultural analysis

Abstract

The aim of this report is to study the changes in the architectural work of F. Gordon Wilson from 1936 to 1959 and to analyse these transformations in relation to the cultural context in which they occurred. In this way, it is hoped that an understanding may be reached of the development of the International Modern Movement in New Zealand and in particular, Wilson's contribution to it. The period 1936 to 1959 was a time of unprecedented social, economic, political and artistic change in New Zealand's history. Wilson's position as a leading designer with the firm of Gummer and Ford and later as Chief Architect to the Department of Housing Construction and Government Architect, meant that he was in a key position to participate in this change and to influence the direction of architecture in New Zealand.