Peter Entwisle

Who is Peter Entwisle?

Peter Entwisle is a New Zealand art historian and writer, notably on the history of Dunedin and of New Zealand art.

Born in England, he moved to Dunedin as a child and was educated at George Street Normal School, Otago Boys' High School and the University of Otago from where he graduated in 1975 with a BA and MLitt in philosophy.

Entwisle worked as a freelance journalist in England for several years before returning to Dunedin in 1980 where he became curator of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, a post he held for 20 years. Since 2000, he has again worked as a freelance writer, and as a regular columnist for the Otago Daily Times. Several of his biographical writings have become part of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. He has also curated a number of art exhibitions.

Entwisle is involved in Dunedin's architectural heritage, and has been involved in several campaigns including those against structural changes to the exterior of the Dunedin Municipal Chambers and against the construction of the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza. He has been a member of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust since 1985.