item details
NameFun shirt
ProductionBooker Spalding; manufacturer(s); circa 2000; New Zealand
ClassificationT-shirts, shirts, uniforms
Materialscotton, metal
DimensionsCentre back: 750mm (height)
Registration NumberGH016947
Credit linePurchased 2000
Overview
This intensely coloured shirt was worn by staff of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa during the first ten years of operation.
It was known as the ‘fun shirt’ or the ‘thumbprint shirt’. The thumbprint was the branding or logo of the new Te Papa when it opened in 1998.
The shirt represents some of the key philosophies of Te Papa: firstly, that Te Papa Hosts would be welcoming, approachable, fun, and knowledgeable.
Secondly, that all staff, irrespective of position, would perform ‘front of house’ duties every year, primarily to stay in touch with the visitor experience.