Welcome

Clare Gleeson is a social historian with particular interests in New Zealand’s musical and gardening histories.  Clare studied history at the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington.  Her doctoral thesis looked at domestic music making in New Zealand from 1840 to 1940 and the music trade – those who supplied the instruments (usually the piano) and music to enable this musical activity to take place.

She was awarded the Bowen Prize and the Zander and Dryden Families Prize for History by Victoria University of Wellington.

Clare is currently co-curating a website on New Zealand musical personalities active between 1840 and 1920, featuring composers, music retailers and publishers.  Musical Notables of New Zealand was launched in 2019 and is an ongoing project.

A keen gardener, Clare’s research interest has more recently been focused on New Zealand’s gardening history, in particular those individuals who have contributed to New Zealand’s rich horticultural landscape.

Clare is co-founder of a garden club in Wellington, a member of a team creating a heritage garden in semi-rural Wellington and volunteers with the Heritage Roses group at the Pauatahanui Burial Ground.  Click here for recent garden history articles and here for garden blog posts.