The late Sir Sam Neill’s enduring passion for New Zealand art will be preserved through his generous contributions to Gore’s Eastern Southland Gallery. The acclaimed actor, who passed away in Sydney on July 13 at the age of 78, quietly donated numerous artworks and supported the gallery over several years. Neill died of pneumonia after having previously battled angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, treated with CAR-T therapy.

Gallery curator Jim Geddes highlighted the deep ties Neill had fostered with the institution, which were rooted in his friendships with prominent New Zealand artists such as Ralph Hotere and Sir Grahame Sydney. Neill, who owned the nearby Two Paddocks vineyard in Central Otago, was known as a passionate advocate for the visual arts. Geddes noted that when artists Neill admired exhibited at the gallery, he often visited to show his support.

Around five years ago, Neill began formally donating pieces from his private collection to the gallery. One of the initial gifts was a work by Ralph Hotere, chosen to complement a permanent exhibition dedicated to the artist. Additional significant donations included a portrait by Michael Smither, a portrait of Neill himself by Alan Pearson, a sculpture by Dennis O’Connor, and an important work by internationally recognized artist Yuki Kihara. Neill gave Kihara’s piece specifically in tribute to his mother, Priscilla Neill.

In addition to his art donations, Neill occasionally provided financial support for special projects at the gallery. Geddes described the news of Neill’s death as a shock, especially given that the actor had previously appeared to have overcome his cancer. Reflecting on Neill’s artistic insight, Geddes remarked that had Neill not pursued a career in film, he might have made an excellent curator due to his profound understanding and appreciation of art.