Monica Brewster

Monica Romaine Brewster (née Govett; 10 February 1886 – 13 December 1973) was a New Zealand arts patron and women's rights advocate.

[5][6] With a privileged background and as a major benefactor of her father's estate (her parents died in 1914 and 1918), Brewster had the means to pursue her interests in travel, the arts and culture.

[7] In 1939, in the months preceding World War II, Brewster and her friend, Elsie Andrews, courted controversy when they publicly declared that they were conscientious objectors.

The then-unused Regent cinema building in Queen Street was purchased and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery was opened in 1970.

[10][11] The Gallery also holds monthly events featuring artists speaking on their work, which are called "Monica Brewster Evenings".