My MUSE | Rosie Bristed

Hello everyone,

Olivia here, and I’m delighted to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the remarkably driven, thoughtfully creative, and endlessly captivating Rosie Bristed.

We were lucky enough to meet Rosie when we opened our Arrowtown store, which neighbours her gallery, Astor Bristed. She was even generous enough to co-host our store opening, with guests arriving at her beautiful gallery down the leafy lane that runs alongside MUSE Arrowtown.

What began as a small gallery in a tucked-away room has blossomed into a vibrant cultural space, drawing both local and international artists and inspiring a community of art lovers and collectors. Rosie’s dedication to supporting and showcasing the talents of others is nothing short of inspiring—her gallery reflects her keen eye for detail, her deep love of art, and her natural ability to connect with people.

A lover of beauty in all its forms, Rosie’s personal style is just as dynamic as her gallery, effortlessly blending sophistication with a spirit of adventure. Whether she’s curating her next exhibition or chasing rabbits in a silk skirt (yes, really), Rosie approaches life with a rare mix of elegance, joy, and curiosity.

I sat down with Rosie to learn more about her journey, the artists who inspire her, and how she’s managed to create such a unique space where creativity thrives.

 

What led to your decision to open your own art gallery, and how has that journey unfolded for you so far?

I've always noticed art. I remember being led around international art fairs by my mum. I used to sign up to all the mailing lists and collect booklets from every stand, which I'd cart back to NZ. Many of those items are still in my room at my parents' place, and I'm still on the mailing list for lots of those galleries. 

In 2020, a small upstairs room in a bit of a musty building was available for lease in Arrowtown and I thought, perfect, I'll pop a wee gallery in there. It seemed like a casual thing but I guess it was a bit of a gateway. Soon enough, I was offered a much larger space on the sunny side of the main street in Arrowtown - I took it - three years ago this July.  

 

Are you an artist yourself, or do you see your role more as a curator and supporter of other artists?

My role is entirely in support of artists. They each have their own ideas, social spheres, style, and they appeal to different groups. It's their worlds and the spread of characters across them that makes the art scene exciting. 

 

Running a gallery in the tight-knit community of Arrowtown must come with unique challenges and rewards. What drew you to establish your gallery here, and how has the community influenced your work?

I was already living in Arrowtown when I opened the first space. I was feeling flighty (recurring) and I wondered if the solution was to embrace the town and entrench myself more in the people and culture here. The community in Arrowtown is second to none. While friends of the gallery are scattered all over NZ and the world, it's the locals that generate the hum and the buzz around regular openings. They're the ones that come to artist talks, bring their friends to the gallery and entertain me with conversation. I plan very much with them in mind.

 

 

Which artists are you currently showcasing at your gallery, and what excites you about their work?

We are exhibiting Fergus Robertson as of February 04. He paints botanical still life scenes in unusual vessels. Each work represents an important interaction in Ferg's life. The paintings are finely detailed and intense, finished in superb hand-crafted steel frames, also made by Ferg. The final result is very attractive. 

 

Over time, our sense of self and style often evolves. Have you experienced this in your own life, and if so, how would you describe your current personal style or aesthetic?

I seem to alternate between preppy schoolgirl fits, safari and something that resembles equestrian. All great themes, I hope these looks will always be part of my rotation. 

 

 

What does fashion mean to you personally? Do you view it as an art form, or does it hold a different significance in your life?

Adorning myself in beautiful things feels feminine and joyful. I like the feel of silk when I'm in it. I am drawn to unusual, elegant pieces. I love dresses, skirts and colour. It's definitely art. 

I am quite sporty and like being able to run and jump and climb at any moment. I have always resented clothes that hinder this.

I think back to an evening last summer, I'd been in the gallery all day and headed off to meet a friend for a swim. One thing led to the next and we ended up hunting rabbits at dusk up the back of his farm. I was wearing a long silk skirt, pink billowing silk blouse and patent loafers (great tread) climbing over deer fences and barbed wire up the spine of a big, windy, dusty hill. Perhaps that's a good summation of Arrowtown - modern, luxury, historic and rugged - the fun's all here. 

 

Do you have a MUSE piece that holds particular meaning to you or has been especially memorable in your journey?

The pink silk gown with the Japanese style front and full skirt is the most spectacular garment I own. I intend to wear it forever. 

 

 

Running a gallery means you're surrounded by creativity all the time. How do you stay inspired, and do you have any rituals or practices that help you stay creatively charged?

The exhibitions change every four weeks or so, I find this to be a great rhythm. The entire space shifts in look and feel, each month I'm embracing a new artist and a new idea. It's invigorating. Further, my friends and family do such an array of interesting things - the more involved I become in their lives, the more mine blossoms.

Is there a piece on your MUSE wishlist that you’re especially drawn to right now?

Always! Right now, the Rabanne Nano Bag in Green Acetate