Entitled From the Archive: The Making of Futuna, the exhibition uses words, drawings, images, sound and physical objects to explore the commissioning, architectural design, art works and the construction of Futuna Chapel in Karori, Wellington. The work was produced by architect John Scott (9 June 192430 July 1992) and artist Jim Allen (22 July 19229 June 2023) and constructed by a dedicated team of voluntary lay brothers between 1957 and1961.The Futuna Exhibition reveals the extent and significance of the collaboration between Chapel architect John Scott, Chapel artist Jim Allen and the building brothers, says Futuna Chapel Trust Chairperson and exhibition organiser, NickBevin.Described as a poignant demonstration of canopy and cave, the ceilings exposed rafters and matai sarking contrast with the concrete walls and serpentine marble floor.Image: Paul McCredieCo-curated by Chapel trustee, poet and artist Gregory OBrien along with Christina Barton (former Director of Te Ptaka Toi Adam Art Gallery), the exhibition will also feature a wide array of objects, many of which could be thought of as relics, says the FutunaTrust.Visitors will find out how Kiwi boot polish, wooden door handles, a chunk of serpentine and a strange rectangular sculpture are all a part of the Futuna story which is still very much ongoing, saysGregory.He describes the process of developing the exhibition as investigating a place and a history that is still alive and evolving. In bringing together drawings, art, photographs, video footage and objects, we didnt feel like archivists digging around in the distant past. The ideas and concepts at the heart of Futuna have become more relevant and vital as the decades have passed. Working on the exhibition, Tina and I have, to borrow a phrase from Ezra Pound, gathered from the air a livetradition.The architectural records of John Scott consisting of approximately 300 photographs, 10,000 drawings, and 10,000 pages of business files were donated to the Alexander Turnbull Library by the Scott whnau in 2020. By the end of 2024 this collection will be fully catalogued and digitised and made available for researchers to explore andaccess.Weve been very fortunate to work with Alexander Turnbull Library and the Scott whanau in the enabling of this work, saysNick.Part of the Wellington Heritage Festival, The Making of Futuna exhibition will be complemented by a series of floor talks and public talks that will expand on the creative lives and influence of the works of bothmen.A hand-carved mahogany statue of Christ, by sculptor Jim Allen adorns the wall behind the large stone altar.Image: Gavin Woodward, J.C. Beaglehole Room, Victoria University of WellingtonWe are thrilled to have secured an exceptional line up of speakers; James Charlton, Puawai Cairns, Barbara Fill, Francis Martin, Chris Moller, and of course Gregory OBrien and Christina Barton. The depth of coverage from the psychedelic intent of Jim Allens work to the legal aspects of protecting Futuna, as well as the broader areas of heritage exploration and the creative lives of these extraordinary men will make for fascinating listening, saysNick.Architect John Scott and artist Jim Allen are both towering figures in this countrys recent history. Their influence and inspiration and the dedicated efforts of the building brothers will live on in the work of subsequentgenerations.The Making of Futuna exhibition will run from 29th October17 November, 11am-3pm daily except Sundays 11:00 am1:00 pm (Saturday 16 November opening hours are 1:30 pm3:00 pm) at Futuna Chapel,Karori.The official opening of From the Archive: The Making of Futuna is on Tuesday 29th October at 6:00pm.Multi-paned gables of coloured Perspex throw a tapestry of colour over the chapels roughcast concrete walls.Image: Paul McCredieEntry is by koha. Floor talks will be held on Saturdays 23:00 pm and public talks on Sundays 24:00 pm. Information about bookings are available on Eventbrite atFutuna Chapel Trust Events or on the Futuna Chapel website.This exhibition is presented by the Futuna Chapel Trust in conjunction with the Alexander Turnbull Library and with the support of Dulux, FL Bone Hardware Merchant, Heritage Studios, Molloy Joinery,Riegers Print and Copy and The Warren Trust.Futuna Chapel is listed as a Category I building with Heritage New Zealand and is operated by the Futuna ChapelTrust.The chapel took influences from the Mori whare, including its low eaves and central pole.Image: Paul McCredie