The National

The National is a dealer gallery in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, owned by Director Caroline Billing. The gallery specialises in contemporary jewellery from New Zealand and solo exhibitions by a select group of international jewellery artists. Since the gallery’s relocation and expansion in 2018, the annual exhibition programme now includes sculpture and object-based works across other media.

Billing is committed to showcasing both established and emerging artists, with a particular focus on solo exhibitions of new work. Since opening in 2004, The National has played a vital role in nurturing the development of contemporary jewellery in New Zealand, creating links to international practice and offering opportunities for experimentation and critical development in the field. The expansion of the gallery’s space and increasing reputation has seen the addition of ambitious collaborative projects and curated group exhibitions to the programme.
 
The gallery started in 2004 and was originally located in High St, a growing vibrant area with cafes, boutiques and galleries. After the 2011 earthquakes destroyed the area, Billing remained committed to presenting jewellery in the city, exploring alternatives to a gallery space, with pop-up exhibitions, including Host A Brooch with jeweller Jacqui Chan. 7 months after the quakes, The National reopened in a shared space and continued to develop its exhibition programme, providing a space for the city to view art. From 2014-2017, The National was located at 241 Moorhouse Avenue. In 2018, it moved two doors along to 249 Moorhouse Avenue. Spacious new premises have allowed the gallery to expand and it now hosts two artist studio spaces.

Hourly:
Tues - Fri: 10:30 am - 5 pm.
Sat: 10:30 am - 4 pm.
Open by Appointment Sun/Mon. Closed public holidays.
We are always available for online sales and enquiries.  Email caroline@thenational.co.nz  or use the Enquire button on the website.

Artist list

Debbie Adamson, Vanessa Arthur, Peter Bauhuis, Macarena Bernal, Becky Bliss, Julie Blyfield, Kobi Bosshard, Joanna Campell, Madeleine Child, Octavia Cook, Mary Curtis, Jess Dare, Jane Dodd, Warwick Freeman, Karl Fritsch, Crystal Chain Gang, Kirsten Haydon, Kath Inglis, Peta Kruger, Cheryl Lucas, Ross Malcolm, Kelly McDonald, Craig McIntosh, Shelley Norton, Tatjana Panyoczki, John Roy, Moniek Schrijer, Henriette Schuster, Elfi Spiewack, Frances Stachl, Mia Straka, Chloe Rose Taylor, Lisa Walker, Anna Wallis, Raewyn Walsh, Areta Wilkinson, Lisa Woods, Manon van Kouswijk