Centenary Commission for the Sarjeant Gallery

Commissioned to celebrate the Sarjeant Gallery’s 100th anniversary, The Friends Chandelier is a striking new work by Crystal Chain Gang. Inspired by the ornate plasterwork of the historic Whanganui gallery, this luminous sculpture reimagines classic architectural motifs in hand-blown lead crystal.

Created in collaboration with Whanganui-based artist Phillip Stokes and crafted at New Zealand Glassworks, the chandelier features over 700 individually made glass components, including 450 cast droplets and hundreds of beads. Suspended from a stainless steel frame, the piece is designed to echo—but not replicate—the heritage detailing of the gallery’s interior.

This ambitious commission honours both tradition and innovation, bringing contemporary glass artistry into dialogue with one of Aotearoa’s most iconic art institutions.