Framed originals by Laurence William Wilson (1860 to 1904), Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862 to 1923), Rata Lovell Smith (1894 to 1969), Marion Tylee (1900 to 1981), Olivia Spencer-Bower (1905 to 1982) and Douglas Badcock (1922 to 2009) graced the gallery on Berkshire St since last week.
Gallery director Simon Beadle said yesterday it was "very excited" to see the paintings when the collector invited him to view them.
The collector wanted to remain anonymous, but the paintings were a diverse assembly of important historical and colourful New Zealand artists, Mr Beadle said.
The paintings included the historical realist watercolour George Sound (1892) by Wilson, featuring an unidentified ship, Worsley's watercolour of a Market Place (circa 1900), Bower's post-impressionist watercolour Routeburn Valley (1960) and an early Badcock oil Papatowai Inlet (1963), believed to be painted on location and, unusually for the artist, outside of Central Otago, were among the works on display.
Mr Beadle said interest had been expressed already from Wakatipu collectors and art enthusiasts.
"I think they're really good examples of these artists' work and it's a real pleasure to have them here in the gallery because they're so enjoyable," he said.
