Joan Calvert and Guy Ngan, ‘Forest in the Sun’ (1976), Executive Wing (Beehive), New Zealand Parliament, Pipitea, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2023

Ministry of Works

Parliamentary Service

Jean Ngan (neé Wong)

Dorothea Turner

Sir Basil Spence

Ground Floor Stairwell, Executive Wing, The Beehive Parliament Grounds, Pipitea, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand - Storage

Forest in the Sun

Jean Ngan grew up in Utiku near Taihape, of Chinese decent. Ngan became a nurse, and married the architect and artist Guy Ngan in 1959. Jean took up weaving in 1962 becoming a member of a member of Port Nicholson Weavers. Though she did not regularly exhibit her textiles, their merit was recognised by an Academy of Fine Arts award in 1982.

Jean assisted with production of 'Forest in the Sun' (1977), wall hanging for the Executive Wing (Beehive) of Parliament, alongside her husband Guy, and the lead textile artist Joan Calvert.

 of oral history interview at the National Library.