De Beer Gallery

The de Beer Collection houses a number of collections that are rare, valuable and historically significant works that are quite remarkable in New Zealand. It comprises over 7,000 pre- and post-1800 books and manuscripts that showcase aspects of European civilization and culture from the Renaissance to the end of the 20th century. It enjoys international importance as a research resource and has international standing in areas of 17th century English history, politics and philosophy, 18th century poetry, travel and guide books, the history of horticulture, and European architecture, especially Roman antiquities and baroque Rome. Major strengths include works by and about John Evelyn, and works by and about John Locke. Foreign language works in Italian, French and German also feature.