Charles Brasch (1909-1973) was born 100 years ago this year. An Otago person through and through, Brasch is well known in literary circles as a poet, editor and patron. Less well known is that he was also a significant benefactor of the Otago Museum.

The Museum is celebrating Brasch’s lasting legacy with an exhibition that showcases his generous gifts and unfailing support.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Willi Fels, and other members of his extended family, Brasch became part of a legacy of philanthropy.  Visitors to the exhibition are invited to get up close to cherished gifted items including antiquities from around the world, sumptuous textiles, and artefacts gathered by Brasch when working on an archaeological excavation at Amarna, Egypt.

“It is important to acknowledge the influence of Charles Brasch’s philanthropy on the Museum as it is today,” says Chief Executive Shimrath Paul. “Because of the passion and benevolence of individuals like Brasch, the people of Otago can proudly lay claim to their Museum as one of the world’s best.”

‘A great good man’ was how Janet Frame described Brasch when paying tribute to him after his death. Brasch shied away from public recognition of his generosity, often making anonymous contributions and gifts. But for the Otago Museum, and many other individuals and organisations, Brasch was rare and special – a genuine philanthropist, and indeed ‘a great good man’.

Until April 2010, People of the World Gallery, Level 2, FREE