Ron Sang
Ronald Fong Sang ONZM JP (11 July 1938 – 11 June 2021) was a New Zealand architect, art collector, art exhibitor and publisher of New Zealand art books.[1]
Early life edit
Sang was born in Fiji in 1938 to parents who had migrated from southern China.[2] He received his secondary education at Marist Brothers High School, Fiji, and, having arrived in Auckland in 1957, at St Peter's College, Grafton. He studied architecture at Auckland University College from 1958 to 1961.[3] He became a registered architect in New Zealand in 1965.[4] He joined an architectural practice which became Fairhead Sang and Carnachan Architects. In 1968, Sang set up his own practice.[5]
Architecture edit
As an architect, Sang engaged in both commercial and domestic architecture. He is noted for his design of a house for the photographer Brian Brake in Titirangi, West Auckland. The house has a Category 1 rating from Heritage New Zealand.[6]
Sang had a special interest in using New Zealand artworks in domestic and commercial interiors. He was a committee member of the Aotea Centre Works of Art Committee from 1988.[3] He developed a New Zealand art collection including paintings, prints, sculpture, pottery, and weaving.[7] This collection included significant New Zealand artists such as Colin McCahon and Bill Hammond.[8] Sang published books on New Zealand artists.[9] In 2013, Sang was co-chairman of the Auckland Chinese Garden steering committee.[2][10]
In the 2000 Queen's Birthday Honours, Sang was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to architecture and the arts.[11]
Later life and death edit
In March 2015, Sang auctioned off much of his personal art collection to fund his retirement, raising over $1.9 million.[12] Sang died at his home in Auckland on 11 June 2021.[13]
Gallery edit
- Sang's former residence in Epsom, Auckland
- A selection of Sang's personal art collection, including pieces by Ann Robinson and Guy Ngan
- Choice Plaza, a 1989 building on Wellesley Street designed by Sang
References edit
- ^ Carroll du Chateau, "It is all about the pictures", NZ Herald, 22 November 2008 (Retrieved 22 January 2014)
- ^ a b "Ron Sang's life amid art". Stuff. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
- ^ a b New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001, p. 777.
- ^ "Architect details". New Zealand Registered Architects Board. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
- ^ Colleen Hawkes, "Designer of historic Brake House also had a keen eye for emerging artists", The Dominion Post, 17 June 2021, p. 26. (retrieved 17 June 2021)
- ^ "Brian Brake House (Former)". www.heritage.org.nz. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
- ^ Sang Architects and Company (Retrieved 12 February 2013)
- ^ Ron Sang's Own House, Kelland's (Retrieved 12 February 2013)
- ^ Ron Sang Publications(Retrieved 12 February 2013)
- ^ Lynley Bilby, "Chuang pays price for affair", NZ Herald, 22 December 2013 (Retrieved 22 January 2014)
- ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 2000 (including special list for East Timor)". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 5 June 2000. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ Sunday, TV One, 12 April 2015
- ^ "Ron Sang death notice". New Zealand Herald. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
Further reading edit
- Ron Sang and Mei Ling Lee. Ron Sang architect (2017) Auckland: Ron Sang Publications.