Mangawhai artists' legacy 


​​We dedicate this page to acknowledge and honour our members
​who have passed away  ​
​We are grateful to family and friends who have provided the information and images for this page

Wendy Clifford

Wendy grew up as the youngest of four siblings in war-torn London, and in her early 20s moved to New Zealand, via Hong Kong. Her love of walking led her to explore our beaches and mountains with family and friends. Inspired by the breathtaking scenery she proudly taught herself to draw and paint; she would take her satchel and sketch book on outings to make detailed notes and sketches of colour, scale and shape as reference for her acrylic and oil paintings and wood cuts/prints.

While raising her family, she also travelled regularly and held a variety of jobs working in technical drawing offices, teaching art in prisons and running workshops for adults and children. She took commissions to create murals and calendars, had a stint as librarian/researcher for TVNZ and worked as an art demonstrator in schools. In 1999 Wendy was delighted to be selected to attend a garden party at Government House, as representatives for the Arts Community in Auckland. 
Moving to Mangawhai in 2010 she joined MAI, where her enthusiasm and skill helped to grow the art community. She relished exhibiting with like-minded people, many of whom became dear friends. She was a well-loved tutor, passing on her vast knowledge via a series of workshops, always encouraging experimentation and laughter in her classes. 
Exhibitions included:
  • Flagstaff Gallery (Devonport), and Reyburn House (Whangarei) regularly exhibited Wendy’s work
  • the Von Tempsky woodcut exhibition (Waikato Museum, 2014 and then at Mangawhai Gallery 2018)
  • Kaipara Art Awards (winner Painting section 2010, runner-up Print section 2013) 
  • a regular participant in the Mangawhai Art Trail, group Printmakers’ Exhibitions, and MAI Member’s Exhibitions
  • Retrospective Exhibition (MAI Gallery, 2021) celebrated the range and extent of her work over the years
Wendy passed away  in January 2023 and a memorial service was held by her family and friends in the Mangawhai Library Hall which was decorated with her works for the occasion.

​After her passing, Wendy’s family gifted remaining artwork to friends, and a wide range of Wendy’s works were gathered into a LIMITED EDITION BOOK The Art of Wendy Clifford which may be viewed at MAI Gallery Library - copies are also held at Mangawhai, Dargaville and Whangarei libraries. ​​